Global Citizenship Education &
Guiding Principles

What is Global Citizenship Education?

Global Citizenship Education (Â鶹ֱ²¥) is an approach to teaching and learning that links global and local justice issues. Â鶹ֱ²¥ explores the root causes of these issues and equips learners and educators to think critically, build empathy, challenge unjust global systems and take meaningful action towards a kinder, fairer and more sustainable world.

Watch 's animation video "What is Global Citizenship Education?" below for a detailed explanation of the term.

To find out more about Â鶹ֱ²¥, including a youth-friendly definition, Irish Aid’s definition, UNESCO’s definition, explainer videos and more see Appendix 2 of our Teacher Handbook.

Global Citizenship Education Guiding Principles

Global Citizenship Education (Â鶹ֱ²¥) is central to fostering an informed and active global society. Â鶹ֱ²¥ have developed five Â鶹ֱ²¥ Guiding Principles to guide the development of globally aware educators and students who are capable of contributing to a more just and sustainable world.

These principles are:

1. Unlearning and Reconstructing
2. Finding Root Causes
3. Prioritising Human Rights
4. Making Local to Global Links
5. Acting in Solidarity

Click on the principles above to find out more about them and to get activities and resources.

Download the Guiding Principles poster in pdf here. (document size: A1)