Gulzar Ahmed
Global Education refers to an educational approach that transcends national borders and fosters an understanding of global issues, intercultural competence, and a sense of global citizenship.
United Nations Secretary General in his speech at UN General Assembly asked “I regard myself as a lifelong student…Without education, where would I be? Where would any of us be?”
Because education transforms lives, economies and societies, “we must transform education”.
It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to engage with global challenges, promote sustainable development, and contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world.
In this article, we will explore the importance and purposes of global education, as well as the role of the United Nations (UN) and various states in promoting it.
I. Importance of Global Education:
Global Awareness and Understanding:
Global education provides individuals with a broader perspective on the world, helping them understand global issues, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights.
It encourages empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation of diversity, fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
“Global Education is not a zero-sum Game. The rise of Universities in Asia will be a benefit to the entire World,”
Richard Levin
The way to Promote Global Citizenship:
Global education instills a sense of global citizenship by emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and the responsibility to address global challenges collectively.
It encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping the world, promoting social justice, and advocating for sustainable development.
To Improve Intercultural Competence:
In an increasingly interconnected world, intercultural competence is crucial.
Global education promotes understanding, respect, and effective communication across different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, facilitating cooperation and reducing conflicts.
Preparing for the Global Job Market:
Globalization has transformed the job market, requiring individuals with a global mindset and cross-cultural skills.
Global education equips learners with critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills, preparing them for careers in diverse fields and enhancing their employability.
II. Purposes and Core Values of Global Education:
Education for Sustainable Development Goals:
Global education aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting awareness of environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development.
It aims to empower individuals to contribute to sustainable practices and take action towards achieving the SDGs.
Human Rights and Social Justice:
Global education emphasizes the importance of human rights, social justice, and equality.
It raises awareness about human rights abuses, discrimination, and inequality, encouraging individuals to become advocates for justice and contribute to positive social change.
Peace and Conflict Resolution:
By fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, global education contributes to peace-building efforts.
It promotes conflict resolution, non-violent communication, and mediation skills, empowering individuals to work towards peaceful coexistence and resolving global conflicts.
Democratic Engagement:
Global education promotes democratic values, active citizenship, and civic participation.
It encourages individuals to engage in democratic processes, understand political systems, and advocate for accountable governance, ensuring the protection of human rights and democratic principles.
III. Role of the Various States and United Nations in order to Achieve Global Education:
The United Nations (UN):
The UN plays a crucial role in promoting global education through various initiatives and agencies:
a. UNESCO:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization is responsible for coordinating international efforts to advance education.
It supports the development of inclusive, quality education systems worldwide and promotes global citizenship education.
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| Image Credit: Google |
b. Sustainable Development Goals:
The UN's SDGs provide a framework for global education by addressing key challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change.
The SDGs guide national policies, international cooperation, and educational initiatives.
States and National Governments:
States and national governments have a responsibility to promote global education within their jurisdictions:
a. Policy Development:
Governments formulate policies that integrate global education into national curricula, emphasizing global issues, intercultural understanding, and sustainable development.
They establish frameworks and guidelines for schools and educators to incorporate global education into teaching practices.
b. Teacher Training:
States invest in professional development programs to equip teachers with the knowledge so they can contribute well in education development.
UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 on Education:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education, causing an estimated 147 million children to miss more than half of their in-class instruction over the past two years.
This disruption could result in a combined total of $17 trillion in lifetime earnings loss for this generation of children.
Progress in completing upper secondary school has been modest, with the proportion of young people completing it increasing from 54% in 2015 to 58% in 2020.
However, the rate of progress has slowed compared to the previous five-year period.
Data from 73 countries, mostly low- and middle-income, show that around 70% of children aged 3 and 4 years old are developmentally on track.
This indicates positive progress in early childhood development.
While the participation rate in organized pre-school learning has increased steadily, reaching 75% in 2020, there is significant variation between countries.
Only 20% of countries have taken significant measures to provide additional mental health and psychosocial support for students following school reopening, highlighting the need for greater attention to students' well-being.
Gender parity remains a challenge in terms of both children meeting minimum learning proficiency standards in reading and lower secondary completion rates.
Most countries have not achieved these targets.
Access to basic services such as electricity, drinking water, and sanitation facilities remains a concern, with approximately 25% of primary schools globally lacking these essential amenities.
Additionally, only around 50% of primary schools have access to facilities like information and communications technology and disability-adapted infrastructure.
In 2020, there were approximately 12 million pre-primary schoolteachers, 33 million primary school teachers, and 38 million secondary school teachers worldwide.
Thankfully, 83% of primary and secondary school teachers received training, indicating efforts to improve teacher quality.
These statistics highlight the significant challenges that still exist in ensuring quality education for all.
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| Image Credit: Google |
Conclusion:
Global education holds immense importance in our increasingly interconnected world.
It not only equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate global challenges but also fosters a sense of global citizenship and promotes sustainable development.
By raising awareness of global issues, promoting intercultural competence, and emphasizing social justice and peace, global education plays a vital role in shaping responsible and engaged global citizens.
The United Nations, through agencies like UNESCO and the Sustainable Development Goals, plays a significant role in promoting global education on an international scale.
The UN provides a framework for global education initiatives and facilitates cooperation among nations to address global challenges collectively.
Additionally, states and national governments have a crucial role to play in integrating global education into national curricula, providing teacher training, and creating policies that support its implementation.
In conclusion, global education is essential for creating a more inclusive, tolerant, and sustainable world.
It empowers individuals to understand and address global challenges, fosters empathy and cultural sensitivity, and prepares them for the global job market.
Through the collective efforts of the UN, states, and educational institutions, global education can continue to inspire generations to become active global citizens who work towards a more just and interconnected world.
It is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to address these issues and prioritize education as a fundamental right.
By investing in education, we can create a more equitable and prosperous world, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
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