Strengthening Regional Collaboration on Global Citizenship Education and Education for Peace and Sustainable Development
The Sub-Regional Workshop and Seminar on “Global Citizenship Education (GCED)” and the “Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development” were held in Fukuoka, Japan, on October 26 – 27, 2024. This event was co-organized by Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), Kyushu University, the Comparative Education Society of Asia (CESA), the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia to support the regional implementation of GCED, UNESCO’s Recommendation embedding peace, human rights, and sustainable development into education systems across the East Asia. The event was convened over 40 key stakeholders from Ministries of Education, NGOs, academia, teachers, and international experts, highlighting the need for education policies that promote peace and social cohesion while addressing urgent sustainable development priorities. In addition, there were more than 30 participants joined the event online.
Group photo of Workshop and Seminar © Kyushu University
In the opening remarks, Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to fostering education systems that uphold peace, human rights, and sustainable development. He emphasized the urgent need for education to play a central role in addressing global challenges and encouraged participants to implement the Recommendation across East Asia. Dr. Lim Hyun Mook, Director of APCEIU, underscored the importance of regional cooperation and GCED, noting APCEIU’s dedication to empowering educators and students to become informed, active global citizens. Prof. Edward Vickers, holding the UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace, Social Justice, and Global Citizenship at Kyushu University, called attention to the critical role of universities in leading GCED and peace initiatives. Lastly, Prof. Nagata Yoshiyuki, President of the Japanese Association for International Education, expressed the importance of international education partnerships in fostering a sustainable future, emphasizing Japan’s ongoing commitment to these shared goals.
Opening Remarks of Workshop and Seminar © Kyushu University
Dr. Mee Young CHOI, Chief of Education at UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, provided an update from the recent regional launch held in Bangkok, emphasizing the collaborative momentum and shared strategies for advancing the Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. She highlighted key discussions and action plans that emerged, encouraging countries to adapt and integrate these into local contexts.
Keynote presentation by Dr. Mee Young CHOI, Chief of Education at UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Following this, Mr. Boldsaikhan Sambuu, Secretary-General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, shared Mongolia’s policy approaches and initiatives that align with the Recommendation, underscoring the country’s commitment to peace and sustainable development through education reforms and capacity-building programs.
Dr. Han Kyung Koo, Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, spoke on Korea’s progress and policies supporting the Recommendation, including GCED initiatives and educational reforms aimed at fostering responsible global citizenship. Both representatives reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening national frameworks and contributing to regional collaboration.
Keynote Presentation of Workshop and Seminar by Mr. Boldsaikhan Sambuu and Dr. Han Kyung Koo © Kyushu University
A highlight of the gathering was the sharing of best practices and insights by teachers from East Asian countries, who presented real-world examples of GCED initiatives within their classrooms. Through case studies, educators demonstrated innovative approaches to embedding peace, human rights, and sustainable development themes into curricula, tailoring methods to resonate with students' local contexts. Participants shared strategies that foster inclusivity, critical thinking, and cultural empathy, showcasing how GCED principles could be effectively adapted to diverse educational settings. These shared experiences provided valuable perspectives, sparking new ideas for promoting globally aware, socially responsible learning environments across the region.
Representations on Best Practices and Insights of Workshop and Seminar © Kyushu University
Over the two-day program, participants engaged in thematic discussions and hands-on workshops, focusing on fostering inclusive systems for peace and human rights, adapting the Common Curriculum Guide for Peace Education in Northeast Asia, and building collaborative networks across sectors and borders. Through keynote addresses, expert panels, and interactive sessions, the gathering provided a platform for sharing best practices, developing regionally tailored strategies, and strengthening partnerships to enhance GCED initiatives and empower future generations with global awareness and social responsibility.
Participants of workshop and Seminar © Kyushu University
The event heightened awareness of the Recommendation and the Common Curriculum Guide, fostering a collective commitment to advancing these principles. Participants had an opportunity to obtain valuable resources and practical strategies to promote and implement GCED best practices tailored to the needs of their educational systems in their national contexts. By building and strengthening cross-sectoral networks, participants are expecting core-actors to drive impactful, transdisciplinary reforms aligned with UNESCO’s priorities, empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and values to contribute to a peaceful, sustainable future for the region and beyond.
