Global citizenship education ‘highlights essential functions of education related to the formation of citizenship with globalization. It is a concern with the relevance of knowledge, skills and values for the participation of citizens in, and their contribution to, dimensions of societal development which are linked at local and global levels. It is directly related to the civic, social and political socialization function of education, and ultimately to the contribution of education in preparing children and young people to deal with the challenges of today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world’. Global citizenship education inspires action, partnerships, dialogue and cooperation through formal and non-formal education. GCE applies a multifaceted approach employing concepts, methodologies and theories from related fields, including human rights education, peace education, education for sustainable development and education for international understanding. It promotes an ethos of curiosity, solidarity and shared responsibility. There are also overlapping and mutually reinforcing objectives, approaches and learning outcomes with these and other education programmes, such as intercultural education and health education. (pg 15)
The MasterCard Foundation is measuring the ways in which learners understand, express and practise their commitment to service and social transformation in ways that integrate global awareness and identity. Here are examples of some of their indicators: (pg 35)
GCE aims to empower learners to engage and assume active roles, both locally and globally, to face and resolve global challenges and ultimately to become proactive contributors to a more just, peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure and sustainable world.(pg 15)