Welcome to the exciting world of global citizenship, where everyday actions can make a
world of difference! Before that, do you know who are the global citizens? Have you ever
consider yourself a global citizen?
Imagine being a global citizen as easy as sipping a cup of fair-trade Starbucks coffee,
chatting with friends from around the world on social media, or even dancing to the beats
of K-pop with fans from diverse cultures.
Global citizenship is like planting seeds of change by recycling, supporting LGBTQ+
rights, or volunteering to clean up your local community park. It’s about embracing
diversity by enjoying cuisines from different countries, learning phrases in a new
language, or celebrating different flamboyant and colorful cultural festivals with open
hearts and open minds, appreciating diversity and creativity instead of superiority.
WHAT IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP?
Global citizenship is the term for social, environmental, and economic actions of
individuals and communities who recognize that every person is a citizen of the world.
 It is about how decisions in one part of the planet can affect people living in a
different part of it, and about how we all share a common humanity and are of
equal worth.
 It means being open to engaging positively with other identities and cultures and
being able to recognize and challenge stereotypes.
 It is also about how we use and share the earth’s resources fairly and uphold the
human rights of all.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GLOBAL CITIZEN?
A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world – and their
place in it. They are a citizen of the world. They take an active role in their community and
work with others to make our planet more peaceful, sustainable and fairer.
EXAMPLES OF GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Global citizenship involves…
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Exploring local and global connections and our views, values and assumptions
Exploring issues of social justice locally and globally
Exploring the complexity of global issues and engaging with multiple perspectives
Applying learning to real-world issues and contexts
Opportunities to make informed, reflective action and be heard
To think of yourself as a global citizen, you only need to know that your actions within your
home, neighborhood, city or country impact and are impacted by global forces.
(1) Education for global citizenship is not an additional subject - it's a framework for
learning, reaching beyond school to the wider community. It can be promoted in class
through the existing curriculum or through new initiatives and activities.
The benefits are felt across the school and beyond. Global citizenship helps young people
to:
1.1. Build their own understanding of world events.
1.2. Think about their values and what's important to them.
1.3. Take learning into the real world.
1.4. Challenge ignorance and intolerance.
1.5. Get involved in their local, national and global communities.
1.6. Develop an argument and voice their opinions.
1.7. See that they have power to act and influence the world around them.
(2) What's more, global citizenship inspires and informs teachers and parents, too. But
above all, it shows young people that they have a voice. The world may be changing fast,
but they can make a positive difference - and help build a fairer, safer and more secure
world for everyone.
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/who-we-are/global-citizenship-guides/
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP GUIDES
1) EDUCATION FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- Packed with creative ideas, advice and case studies to support the development of
global citizenship in all curriculum areas.
✓A GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS
2) GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE CLASSROOM
- A practical guide filled with tools and ideas to increase participation and develop global
learning in the classroom.
✓A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS
3) TEACHING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
- Young people frequently face making decisions about a wide range of issues on which
there are many different views. This guide includes strategies, guidance and activities for
teaching controversial issues.
✓FOSTER CRITICAL THINKING
4) THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
- The UN's Sustainable Development Goals present "a blueprint to achieve a better and
more sustainable future for all by 2030."
Deepen your understanding of education about and for the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and see how global citizenship education approaches and methodologies
can underpin good practice.
✓EXPLORE THE SDGS
5) MATHS AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- Consider how real world contexts can enrich maths teaching and help unlock how it can
be applied.
✓MAKE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
6) SCIENCE AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- Deepen learners' understanding and discover practical ideas for adding a global lens to
science.
✓NURTURE YOUNG SCIENTISTS
7) ENGLISH AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- Ideas for learning about the world whilst improving speaking and listening, reading,
writing and media literacy skills.
✓CAPTURE LEARNERS' IMAGINATIONS
(3) These guides are the foundations of great global citizenship. They outline the key
principles of taking a global approach to teaching and learning, as well as practical
guidance for embedding it into your lessons.
Key Takeaways:
1. Guides as Foundations: The guides referenced in the excerpt serve as the cornerstone
for promoting global citizenship among students. They provide a structured framework
that educators can follow to instill values of global awareness, empathy, and cultural
understanding in learners.
2. Principles of Global Approach: One of the primary functions of these guides is to outline
the key principles of adopting a global approach to teaching and learning. This includes
encouraging students to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider the
interconnectedness of the world.
3. Practical Guidance: In addition to theoretical principles, the guides offer practical
guidance on how educators can incorporate global perspectives into their lessons. This
may involve using diverse resources, engaging with global issues, and promoting
dialogue on international topics.
4. Embedding Global Citizenship: The ultimate goal of these guides is to help educators
embed global citizenship into their teaching practices. By following the guidance provided,
teachers can create a learning environment that nurtures students to become responsible
global citizens who are aware of and engaged with global challenges.
(4) Each guide has been created with teachers in mind and includes testimonies, teaching
ideas and participatory activities to help you on your way. Whether you want to explore
the world in the classroom or embed global citizenship across your whole school, we have
guide for you.
Global Citizenship
5.1 It is a way of living that recognizes our world as an increasingly complex web of
connections and interdependencies, in which our choices and actions may have
repercussions for people and communities locally, nationally or internationally.
What does it mean?
The concept of interconnectedness highlights how our actions and decisions have wideranging effects on individuals and communities, regardless of location. It acknowledges
that we are part of a complex network, where everything is connected. This perspective
encourages responsibility, awareness, and consideration of the broader impact of our
choices. It emphasizes the need to be mindful of how our actions affect others and the
environment in our interconnected world.
Example:
Climate Change - Our choices in energy, transportation, and waste management impact
climate change, leading to global consequences like rising sea levels and extreme
weather events.
Human Rights - Supporting human rights, gender equality, and social justice helps create
positive global change for marginalized communities. By raising awareness, supporting
organizations, and holding entities accountable, individuals can contribute to a fair and
inclusive world.
Health and Pandemics - Individual health choices, including vaccination, hygiene
practices, and following public health guidelines, affect the spread of infectious diseases.
5.2 It nurtures personal respect and respect for others, wherever they live, and
encourages individuals to think deeply and critically about what is equitable and just and
what will minimize harm to our planet. Exploring global citizenship themes help learners
grow more confident in standing up for their beliefs, and more skilled in evaluating the
ethics and impact of their decisions.
What does it mean?
Global citizenship promotes a mindset of respect, empathy, and critical thinking about
fairness, justice, and environmental sustainability. It urges individuals to consider the
impact of their actions on a global scale and encourages responsibility for creating a better
world.
5.3 There is a great deal of debate and discussion around this question, as there is around
the whole concept of globalization. A useful working definition, however, is offered by
Oxfam:
5.3.1 is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen
5.3.2 respects and values diversity
5.3.3 has an understanding of how the world works
5.3.4 is outrages by social injustice
5.3.5 participates in the community at a range of levels, from the local to the global
5.3.6 is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place
5.3.7 responsibility for their actions.
(6) GLOBAL CITIZEN
- also called as 'world citizen'
- A Global Citizen is someone who identifies being part of an emerging world community
and whose actions contribute to building this community's values and practices.
- To be an effective Global Citizens, young people need to be flexible, creative, and
proactive
(4)Each guide has been created with teachers in mind and includes advice, teaching
ideas and activities to help you on your way. Whether you want to explore the world in the
classroom or develop global learning across your whole school, we have a guide for you.
(7) Global Citizenship Education
What is Global Citizenship Education?
According to the Global Citizenship Foundation, Global Citizenship Education (GCED)
can be defined as a transformative, lifelong pursuit that involves both curricular learning
and practical experience to shape a mindset to care for humanity and the planet, and to
equip individuals with global competencies to undertake responsible actions aimed at
forging more just, peaceful, secure, sustainable, tolerant and inclusive societies.
According to UNESCO, GCED entail the following:
Adjusting curricula and content of the lessons to provide knowledge about the world and
the interconnected nature of contemporary challenges and threats. Among other things,
a deep understanding of human rights, geography, the environment, systems of
inequalities, and historical events that underpinned current developments;
Nurturing cognitive, social and other skills to put the knowledge into practice and make it
relevant to learners’ realities;
Instilling values that reflect the vision of the world and provide purpose, such as respect
for diversity, empathy, open-mindedness, justice and fairness for everyone;
Adopting behaviors to act on their values and beliefs: participating actively in the society
to solve global, national and local challenges and strive for the collective good.
Why is Global Citizens Education Needed?
Global Citizens Education is needed for several reasons:
1. Global Awareness: Global Citizens Education helps individuals develop a broader
understanding of the world and the interconnectedness of global issues.
2. Interconnectedness and Interdependence: Global Citizens Education recognizes the
interconnected and interdependent nature of our world. It helps individuals understand
how their actions and choices can have global consequences, whether it is in terms of
environmental sustainability, economic inequality, or social justice.
3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Global Citizens Education promotes critical
thinking skills, encouraging students to analyze complex global issues, evaluate multiple
perspectives, and develop creative solutions.
4. Cultural Competence and Respect: Global Citizens Education fosters cultural
competence, helping individuals develop an appreciation for diversity and respect for
different cultures, languages, and traditions.
5. Active Global Citizenship: Global Citizens Education empowers individuals to become
active global citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities. It encourages civic
engagement, social activism, and a sense of social responsibility towards addressing
global issues.
6. Preparation for the Future: In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world,
Global Citizens Education prepares individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the
future.
Overall, Global Citizens Education is needed to cultivate global awareness, critical
thinking, cultural competence, and active citizenship. It prepares individuals to understand
and address global challenges, contribute to positive change, and build a more inclusive,
sustainable, and peaceful world.
7.1. With the interconnected and interdependent nature of our world, the global is not ‘out
there’: it is part of our everyday lives, as we are linked to others on every continent:
7.1.1. Socially and culturally through the media and telecommunications, and through
travel and migration:
The media and telecommunications play a crucial role in connecting people from different
parts of the world. Through platforms like social media, news outlets, and online
communication tools, individuals can easily interact, share ideas, and stay updated on
global events.
7.1.2. Economically through trade:
Trade plays a vital role in connecting economies and facilitating the exchange of goods
and services across borders. This interconnectedness in trade promotes economic
growth, creates job opportunities, and allows countries to specialize in their comparative
advantages.
7.1.3. Environmentally through trade:
Trade has significant environmental implications, as the production and transportation of
goods often involve the consumption of resources and the emission of greenhouse gases.
The interconnectedness of the global economy means that environmental issues in one
part of the world can have ripple effects globally.
7.1.4. Environmentally through sharing one planet:
The interconnectedness of our world is evident in the fact that we all share one planet
and its limited resources. Environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution,
and natural resource depletion affect every individual and nation. The actions of one
country can have far-reaching consequences for the global environment.
7.1.5. Politically through international relations and systems of regulation:
Political interconnectedness is evident in the realm of international relations and systems
of regulation. The interconnectedness of political systems necessitates collaboration and
dialogue to address common challenges and maintain global stability.
(8) The opportunities our fast-changing ‘globalized’ world offers young people are
enormous. But so too are the challenges. Young people are entitled to an education that
equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need in order to embrace the
opportunities and to create the kind of world that they want to live in. An education that
supports their development as Global Citizens.
9.0. These active and participatory methods of education for global citizenship and
sustainable development empower students to become active agents of positive change.
Based on our research, pupil participation refers to student's active involvement and
engagement in different parts of their education. Additionally, Pupil participation includes
two rationales: first, children have a principled right to be heard, and adults have a duty
to listen; second, there are practical benefits to sharing information and making decisions
(Frederickson and Cline, 2015).
The active, participatory methods of Education for Global Citizenship and sustainable
Development also promotes pupil participation in the learning process and in decisionmaking for the following reasons:
9.1. Everything done in school sends out messages, so we need to exemplify the values
we wish to promote. If we wish to affirm beliefs about the equality of all human beings and
the importance of treating everyone fairly and with respect, we need to ensure that
learning processes, and relationships between pupils and teachers, reflect and reinforce
these values.
9.2. Research shows that in more democratic schools pupils feel more in control of their
learning, and the quality of teaching, learning and behavior is better.
The idea that in more democratic schools, where students have a voice, feel in charge of
their education, and have strong teacher-student connections, the quality of teaching,
learning, and behaviour increases. These findings emphasise the need of developing
inclusive and participative educational environments that empower students while also
promoting their general well-being and academic achievement
9.3. The UN Convention on the rights of the Child affirms the right of children to have their
opinions taken into account on matters that affect them.
According to our research, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) is an international human rights treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic,
social, and cultural rights of children. However, Article 12 of the UNCRC states, children
have the right to freely express their opinions on any issues affecting them, and their
opinions must be accorded sufficient weight based on their age and maturity. This means
that children have the right to be heard, to participate in decision-making processes, and
to have their perspectives taken seriously by relevant authorities.
"We must conserve some natural resources for future generations."
CONCLUDING PART
In totality, simply picture global citizenship as a colorful tapestry woven with acts of
kindness, respect for all, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place for
everyone. Whether it’s standing up against discrimination, advocating for environmental
sustainability, or spreading love and positivity through acts of compassion, global
citizenship is a journey of growth, connection, and positive impact in our interconnected
world.