Global Citizenship PDF

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? WHAT IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP? It is a way of living that recognizes our world is an increasingly complex web of connections and interdependencies. One in which our choices and actions may have repercussions for...

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? WHAT IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP? It is a way of living that recognizes our world is an increasingly complex web of connections and interdependencies. One in which our choices and actions may have repercussions for people and communities locally, nationally or internationally. Global citizenship nurtures personal respect and respect for others, wherever they live. It encourages individuals to think deeply and critically about what is equitable and just, and what will minimise harm to our planet. WHAT IS A GLOBAL CITIZEN? There is a great deal of debate and discussion around this question, as there is around the whole concept of globalisation. A useful working definition, however, is offered by Oxfam: A Global Citizen is someone who: is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen respects and values diversity has an understanding of how the world works is outraged by social injustice participates in the community at a range of levels, from the local to the global is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place takes responsibility for their actions. WHAT IS A GLOBAL CITIZEN? To be effective Global Citizens, young people need to be flexible, creative and proactive. They need to be able to solve problems, make decisions, think critically, communicate ideas effectively and work well within teams and groups. These skills and attributes are increasingly recognised as being essential to succeed in other areas of 21st century life too, including many workplaces. These skills and qualities cannot be developed without the use of active learning methods through which pupils learn by doing and by collaborating with others. A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world - and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable. WHY IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION NEEDED? 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: socially and culturally through the media and telecommunications, and through travel and migration economically through trade environmentally through sharing one planet politically through international relations and systems of regulation. WHY IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION NEEDED? The opportunities our fast-changing ‘globalised’ 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 challenges they encounter, and to create the kind of world that they want to live in. An education that supports their development as Global Citizens. CONCLUSIONS 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. The term orients towards recognizing the interconnectedness of life, respecting cultural diversity and human rights, advocating global social justice, empathizing with suffering people around the world, seeing the world as others see it and feeling a sense of moral responsibility for planet Earth. Global citizenship usually involves three dimensions — awareness (of self and others), responsibility and participation. The enlightened global citizen understands that there doesn’t have to be a tension between a nationalistic sense of duty and a moral obligations to the rest of the world. Global citizenship offers hope for embracing a mindset that can ensure the future sustainability of our planet, and all of its living forms. REFERENCES Ideas for Global Citizenship: http://www.ideas-forum.org.uk/about-us/global- citizenship Oxfam Education: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/who-we-are/what-is- global-citizenship World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/10/why-the- world-needs-more-global-citizens