Global citizenship is a term you will constantly hear about when keeping pace with current happenings in the world. In most cases, it is used in reference to the social, environmental, and economic actions undertaken by individuals and communities who recognize that every person is a citizen of the world.
It is all 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 common humanity and are of equal worth. If this is not enough, it means being open to engaging positively with other identities and cultures and being able to recognize and challenge stereotypes.
For those who might not know, a global citizen is merely an individual who is aware of and understands the wider world, and their place in it. They are a citizen of the world and take an active role in their community and work with others to make our planet more peaceful, sustainable, and fairer.
Some organizations perceive global citizenship as the sheer focus on encouraging young people to develop the knowledge, skills and value they need to engage with the world. And it is about the belief that everyone can make a difference.
Keep in mind education for global citizenship isn’t about an additional subject. It is a framework for learning, reaching beyond school to the wider community. Actually, it can be promoted in class through the existing curriculum or through new initiatives and activities.
The good thing about global citizenship is that it serves as the perfect opportunity to build your own understanding of world events, think about your values and what’s important to you, and take learning into the real world. Not to mention it is the perfect opportunity to challenge ignorance and intolerance.
What’s more, global citizenship inspires and informs teachers and parents too. But above all, it shows young people that they have a strong voice. Even though the world might be changing fast, they can still make a significant difference and help build a fairer, safer and more secure world for everyone.
