
Looking back and looking forward: Conversations on Paulo Freire’s Influence on Global Development Practice
The year 2021 recognised the centenary of the birth of Paulo Freire, one of the most significant educationalists of the past century. Colleagues in the Department of International Development Maynooth University, Ireland, wanted to highlight the significance of this occasion by using it as an opportunity to enable critical reflection on Freire’s influence in development and educational practice, both at home and globally. So, we held a conference (online due to the continuing pandemic) on the 28th of October. The event included contributors from Ireland and internationally, drawn from the sectors of development practice, community development and higher education. Those who presented papers provided valuable insights gathered in this collection of reflections drawn from the conversations held that day.
