News

The 23rd Asia-Pacific Training Workshop on EIU/GCED was held online from 19 to 28 June 2024. This year’s theme, “Expanding the Vision of Peace through GCED,” emphasized the need for comprehensive understanding of peace and transformative potential of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in promoting a culture of peace and sustainable development. This was designed in line with UNESCO's "Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development (2023)," which updates the 1974 Recommendation. Under this theme, 42 educators from 16 UNESCO member states in the Asia-Pacific region successfully completed the workshop and empowered to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond. 

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic group discussions and interactive activities, and attended a series of lectures by renowned experts on pivotal topics related to GCED and global issues of the 21st century. Moreover, the APTW introduced transformative pedagogies and practical methods for incorporating GCED into teaching practices and curricula, equipping educators with the tools needed to implement contextualized educational programs that promote a holistic culture of peace.

In specific, the workshop addressed key thematic issues on GCED and fostered critical thinking about global issues. Guest speakers and alumni delivered lectures on essential topics, including glocal justice, respect for cultural diversity, human rights, critical medial information literacy and climate crises. Additionally, as a vital component of the workshop, a lecture on the 2023 UNESCO Recommendation provided a comprehensive overview and highlighted core principles and approaches to peacebuilding and the role of GCED.

Then, the workshop touched upon ‘how’ to implement GCED by introducing innovative approaches and methodologies of GCED. This was designed to support participants’ follow-up activities in their own contexts. Participants gained insights from live sessions on transformative pedagogies for GCED, the evolving role of teachers, community-based learning for responsible citizenship, and socio-emotional learning. They also benefited from dialogues with APTW alumni, who shared their experiences in implementing GCED projects in their own educational settings.

Breakout group discussions held during each session facilitated intensive brainstorming and knowledge exchange. These discussions allowed participants to reflect on their learnings, collaborate, and share diverse perspectives. The interactive activities and dialogues encouraged active engagement, fostered creativity, and enhanced problem-solving skills by leveraging the collective expertise of each group. Moreover, these sessions served as a platform to build a strong network within the Asia-Pacific region.

At the end of the workshop, participants presented GCED projects they plan to implement at their respective institutions and communities. As a culmination, they received constructive feedback aimed at enhancing quality and building support, ensuring their initiatives are well-prepared for successful implementation. 

Through the workshop, participants were empowered to creatively address the multifaceted challenges of today's world as global citizens. APCEIU will continue to support their endeavors by providing additional learning opportunities, including a mentorship and grant program, enabling participants to implement GCED projects in their educational settings later this year.

URL: https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/5133