Mary Robinson commended for 'upholding highest standards in ethical communication’

AN audience of over 250 communication professionals from across Ireland gave a standing ovation to former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, as she was presented with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) President’s Medal in recognition of her lifetime commitment to speaking truth to power and advocating for justice and climate action.

Mary Robinson is only the seventh recipient in the 70-year history of the Institute. Previous recipients include Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume and broadcaster Gay Byrne.

The award was conferred at the PRII’s National Conference in Croke Park, where Mrs. Robinson delivered the opening keynote address on the power of words in divisive times.

Presenting the award, David Geary, President of PRII, praised Robinson’s contributions to both Ireland and the world, stating: “Mary Robinson has always been more than a skilled debater and communicator - she is a tireless global advocate for the voiceless, a champion of justice, and an unwavering leader in the fight for climate action. Her work as a powerful, ethical communicator serves as a beacon to all of us in the profession.

“Awarding her the PRII President’s Medal in front of the country’s leading communicators is a fitting tribute to her unparalleled social impact.”

In a wide-ranging address to delegates, Mary Robinson spoke about how frightening the words around the climate crisis could be and that she could understand that fear, but that there were also words to express the possibility of us gaining a better world. A world of reduced waste, increased use of sustainable energy, a cleaner environment.

“We have to have a vision of hope. Hope is also a powerful word,” she said. She told the delegates that communicators should, like her, say with pride that they too are ‘prisoners of hope’ and focussed on a better future.

An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, sent a video message to the conference delegates and in it he commended Mrs. Robinson for ‘upholding of the highest standards in ethical communication’ and her ‘incredible record of public service’.

He went on to tell delegates: “The theme of your conference, ‘Building Communities’, is an important and timely topic for those of us in government, for communicators such as yourselves, and for all of society. We’ve never had so many channels to communicate through, but also the facts and the truth have never been so difficult to establish. That is why thoughtful communications is more important now than ever before.’”

He added: “We all need to reach people where they are and communicate with them clearly, consistently and continually. I believe that good public communication, explaining and informing, is something that we in government need to focus on and always need to try and do better.

“Ireland needs good and ethical communicators, and your profession has a big role to play in creating the healthy discourse that our country needs.”

Themed 'A Community of Practice: Building Community in Divisive Times', the conference gathered leaders in public relations from across the public and private sector to explore how the profession can be part of the solution to society’s most pressing challenges.

Mrs. Robinson’s keynote address set the tone for a day of discussions on the role communicators play in fostering social, cultural and economic resilience, rebuilding a sense of community, and inspiring hope in the face of division. Her message of ethical communication as a catalyst for positive change resonated deeply with the audience.

The PRII President's Award this year is a sculpture of trees and a flying bird, symbolising Mrs. Robinson’s love of the natural world. It was designed by renowned Irish artist John Behan and crafted from recycled bronze.

Behan, a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, has produced several significant public artworks, including the iconic 'Famine Ship' at the National Famine Memorial in Mayo and ‘Arrival’ at the UN headquarters in New York, a location that also holds significance in Robinson’s distinguished career.