KEY THEMES President Higgins has structured this aspect of his work along a number of themes, combined in a number of special initiatives: •
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Participation and Transformation – President Higgins has made the promotion of a more inclusive society a cornerstone of his work, informed by his firm belief that everyone in Ireland has a valuable contribution to make and that society is strengthened when it supports, and is shaped by, a diversity of experiences and perspectives. Imagination and the Nation – The Imagination and the Nation initiative is based on the President’s view that the power of the creative arts to engage, challenge, transform and empower needs to be celebrated, and protected. Throughout the year, President Higgins worked to highlight the importance of art and creativity in Irish life, by celebrating its power to engage, challenge, transform and empower.
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Shared Ireland, Shared Island – The aim of this initiative by the President is to promote public discussion on how we can all thrive on the island of Ireland, while living in harmony with respect for our complex history. During the past year, President Higgins invited thinkers from various backgrounds, communities and cultural groups to Áras an Uachtaráin, and his Machnamh 100 initiative.
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Rethinking the Economy – In his meetings and public speeches, President Higgins continued to promote greater public debate about economic policy, and policy-making. Highlighting the importance of promoting greater public engagement with economic policy, the President encouraged debate on the policies that might replace those that have resulted in growing inequality and threats to the planet.
In December 2020, President Higgins welcomed author Áine Ní Ghlinn, the fifth Laureate na nÓg, and Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council to Áras an Uachtaráin 31 2020 IN REVIEW
