In 2025, Comhlámh marked 50 years of solidarity in action, a legacy rooted in activism, learning, and global justice. This anniversary year was a chance to pause, look back with gratitude, and celebrate the people and movements that have shaped Comhlámh across five decades: members, volunteers, staff, partners, and friends, and the shared spirit that has carried us through our ups and downs.
This page brings together highlights from the year: Comhlámh in Stories, our anniversary speech, photo galleries from three anniversary events, and two videos created to honour the journey — including a shared “160 Years of Solidarity” celebration with our friends at Afri and VSI. We hope these memories spark reflection, connection, and renewed energy for the work ahead.
Comhlámh in Stories
Comhlámh in Stories was created to mark our 50th anniversary in 2025 — and to listen to the stories, memories and thoughts of the people who have shaped Comhlámh through five decades of solidarity in action, rooted in activism, learning, and global justice.
This publication brings together memories shared by members, volunteers, staff, partners, and friends. The moments that make Comhlámh, well… Comhlámh. Inside, you will find reflections, anecdotes, and snapshots from across the decades: small encounters that stayed with people, big turning points, lessons learned, friendships formed, tributes to friends and colleagues who have passed, and the collective spirit that has carried us through.
Read Comhlámh in Stories, dive into the full publication and explore 50 years of solidarity, in the words of the people who lived it.
Anniversary Art Piece ‘Comhlámh in 50 Words: Celebrating 50 Years of Solidarity in Action, 1975–2025’
Inspired by the intricate patchwork of Palestinian thobes (traditional dresses), this digital quilt was created by Palestinian Ireland-based artist Sanaa El Habbash to mark Comhlámh’s 50th anniversary. Each tile is inspired by one of 50 words chosen by our staff, board, members and friends, to express what Comhlámh means to them: a strong, caring community rooted in togetherness, solidarity and collective action for global justice.
Carefully pieced together, the quilt becomes a quiet record of what Comhlámh has stood for over five decades and what it continues to be in people’s lives: a shared space of connection, imagination and hope for a more just and compassionate world.
Available from our office in A4 format for €12 + postage. Please contact info@comhlamh.org to order a copy.
Anniversary Videos
2025 was a landmark year, not only for Comhlámh’s 50th anniversary, but also for our longstanding friends and partners at Afri, who marked 50 years, and VSI, who celebrated 60. Together, honoured these milestones as a shared 160 Years of Solidarity event, a collective legacy rooted in justice, peace, and global solidarity.
Below, you can watch two videos created for the occasion: the first is a shared photo journey down memory lane through decades of solidarity work; the second is a recording of our joint celebratory event on 5 December 2025. Enjoy!
160 Years of Solidarity: Down Memory Lane with Comhlámh, Afri & VSI
Watch this video to join Comhlámh, Afri, and Voluntary Service International (VSI) on a special photo journey down memory lane, honouring the people, memories, and movements that have shaped decades of activism, community, and connection.
You are warmly invited to be part of this reflection and celebration.
160 Years of Solidarity:
Anniversary Celebration Night
This video captures highlights from Friday, 5 December 2025, when Afri, Comhlámh and Voluntary Service International (VSI) came together to celebrate 160 Years of Solidarity — marking Comhlámh 50, Afri 50, and VSI 60. It was an open, creative, participatory evening of food, live music, art, and shared reflection, honouring the people and movements that have shaped decades of activism, community, and connection — rooted in justice, peace, and global solidarity.
Events & Photo Galleries
Reeling in 50 Years
This social celebratory event kicked off our 50-year marking and engendered the connections, ideas, and energy needed for the 50th birthday celebrations and the years ahead.
Celebrating in Áras
160 Years of Solidarity
As a part of the global dialogues on the future of volunteering, in partnership with Volunteer Ireland, Comhlám hosted a national dialogue in Ireland. We identified key points to feed into and shape the messages and priorities of a collective Call to Action.
SUPPORT COMHLÁMH
Comhlámh’s first 50 years were built by a community that chose solidarity, again and again. If these stories, photos, and moments mean something to you, please help us carry this work into the decades ahead.
Your donation keeps Comhlámh resilient and independent, so we can keep learning, organising, and standing with people working for justice, in Ireland and globally.
Support the next chapter of solidarity with a donation today.
Learn More About Comhlámh History
Our Legacy
Our Story
Comhlámh, founded in 1975, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. Click below to learn about our story so far.
Annual Reports
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