News

20 October 2023

Together with UNESCO, APCEIU co-hosted the 5th GCED Actors' Platform Meeting on 20 October 2023. Following a three-year hiatus from in-person gatherings, this meeting brought together regional coordinators from four Regional GCED Networks, encompassing the Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa in Seoul to share their achievements in advancing Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in their respective regions over the past year and discuss current challenges and potential ways to strengthen GCED implementation on both regional and global levels.

The meeting commenced with the opening remarks from Mr Hyun Mook Lim, Director of APCEIU. In his remarks, Mr Lim reiterated the objectives of the GCED network and expressed optimism for generating fresh momentum to advance GCED within the various regions.

Following the opening remarks, Ms Cecilia Barbieri, Chief of the Section of Global Citizenship and Peace Education at UNESCO HQs, welcomed the participants and gave a presentation on the future directions of GCED. Additionally, she underscored the significance of the revision of the 1974 recommendation and provided insights into UNESCO's strategies for upcoming years. APCEIU then offered an overview of the GCED Network programme since its inception.

Regional coordinators from 4 regions were also invited to share the latest GCED programmes/initiatives and opportunities for implementing GCED and suggestions for joint GCED actions. Dr Faryal Khan from the UNESCO Bangkok Office gave updates on the GCED activities in the Asia-Pacific region, including the GCED publication targeting different Learners. Dr Charles Chikunda from the UNESCO Harare Office presented on the GCED activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including the integration of GCED and Southern Africa Liberation History in the curriculum. Mr Cristián Bravo, from the UNESCO Santiago Office, presented on GCED activities in the LAC region, such as capacity building MOOC. Similarly, Ms Nour Osta from the UNESCO Beirut Office provided updates on the GCED activities in the region, including the integration of GCED into higher education institutions.

The participants also engaged in a discussion session led by Director Lim of APCEIU. Participants discussed strategies to enhance the integration of Global Citizenship Education within their specific regions. Other Key topics explored during this session encompassed the significance of youth voices and the role of academia in integrating GCED, the importance of synergies among existing networks, fostering a shared understanding of GCED, and potential future partnerships between different offices and networks.

https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/4915