Last Thursday, June 26th, fifty members of the Comhlámh community gathered at Áras an Uachtaráin for a special Garden Party hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins. The event, celebrating Global Solidarity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, became a particularly meaningful occasion when President Higgins began his address by acknowledging Comhlámh’s five decades of solidarity work – a proud recognition as we mark our 50th anniversary.
The warmth of the occasion was amplified when event MC John Creedon shared his personal memories of first encountering Comhlámh’s work through 1970s pirate radio broadcasts, testimony to our long-standing presence in Ireland’s global justice movement.
A Timely Call to Choose Compassion Over Fear and Division
President Higgins’ address presented a powerful framing of our current global crossroads. He reminded us that humanity faces a fundamental choice: to succumb to the politics of fear or to courageously build a world rooted in solidarity, compassion, human rights, ecological stewardship and social justice.
His words resonated deeply with Comhlámh’s mission and the work of all gathered organisations. The President went on to praise the moral leadership of those working toward a just and equal world, describing their efforts as representing the highest form of active citizenship, one committed to solidarity and the inherent dignity of every member of our global community.
Celebrating Community, Committing to the Future
The gathering brought together our staff, board, members and partners alongside numerous inspiring organisations from across the country. More than just recognising past achievements, the event strengthened our collective resolve for the work ahead.
President and Sabina Higgins’ generous hospitality created a truly special atmosphere, one that both honoured our community’s work and reinvigorated our commitment to global solidarity. As we reflect on this recognition, we are reminded that our shared principles demand continuous action.
This anniversary milestone finds us both celebrating how far we have come in these 50 years and preparing for the crucial work still ahead of us. The challenges may evolve, but the need for solidarity remains constant. We hope you will join us on this journey.
Learn more about Comhlámh’s 50th anniversary, history, and legacy. Become a member and explore the ‘GET INVOLVED’ section on our website to discover other ways to participate in our work.
Watch the event album on Facebook and Instagram.
Members of the Comhlámh community at the Global Solidarity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals garden party