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What is "Global Citizenship Education"?

According to the United Nations, "while the world may be increasingly interconnected, human rights violations, inequality and poverty still threaten peace and sustainability.

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Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is UNESCO’s response to these challenges. It works by empowering learners of all ages to understand that these are global, not local issues and to become active promoters of more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure and sustainable societies."

< Source: https://en.unesco.org/themes/gced >

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UNESCO’s work in this field is guided by the Education 2030 Agenda and Framework for Action, notably Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 on Education), which calls on countries to “ensure that all learners are provided with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.

< Source: https://en.unesco.org/themes/gced/definition >

 

More Readings (PDF required to view below documents):

< Global Citizenship - What Can You Do? >

< UNESCO "Topics & Learning Objectives" >

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Resources on Education: 

< http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/resources/online-materials/databases/ >

What are "Transversal Competencies (TVCs)"?

According to the UNESCO, transversal skills are part of the building blocks that enable children to develop to their full potential. These skills/ competencies – sometimes referred to as 21st century skills, soft skills or non-cognitive skills – promote the behavioral and socio-emotional domains of learning to ensure that learners are equipped with skills for both work and life in general.

 

Such skills include critical and innovative thinking, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, global citizenship skills, media and information literacy, etc.

 

Based on research result from 2013 regional study on TVCs in education policy and practice, UNESCO has worked out Working Definition of Transversal Competencies.  In terms of Global Citizenship skills, here are the examples of key characteristics: awareness, tolerance, openness, respect for diversity, intercultural understanding, ability to resolve conflicts, civic/political participation, conflict resolution, respect for the environment.

 

​More Readings (PDF may be required to view below documents):

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