Active Global Citizenship

“Education gives us a profound understanding that we are tied together as citizens of the global community, and that our challenges are interconnected.”

Ban Ki-moon

What is “Global Citizenship”?

Fostering Global Citizenship is priority 3 of the UN Secretary General’s Global Education First initiative (GEFI). The GEFI talks about global citizenship in these ways:

“The world faces global challenges, which require global solutions. These interconnected global challenges call for far-reaching changes in how we think and act for the dignity of fellow human beings.”

“Education must fully assume its central role in helping people to forge more just, peaceful, tolerant and inclusive societies. It must give people the understanding, skills and values they need to cooperate in resolving the interconnected challenges of the 21st century.”

We live in an interconnected world, with a growing focus on becoming more globally-minded. You will often hear organizations, including CISV, use the term “global citizenship,” or talk about educating or creating “active global citizens.”

What Is A Global Citizen?

A global citizen is someone who is

• aware of the world and has a sense of their role in it;
• respects and values diversity, and is knowledgeable of and works against social injustices;
• has an understanding of the world, and participates in communities at all levels (from local to global);
• and lastly, takes responsibility for their actions and beliefs.

To become a global citizen, you will have to be creative, flexible, dedicated, and proactive. Global citizens take an active part in the world community, and are committed to helping build a better world for us all.

Books and Films that Inspire Active Global Citizenship