What is a Global Citizen?

The Global Citizens’ Initiative defines global citizenship as “someone who identifies with being part of an emerging world community and whose actions contribute to building this community’s values and practices.”

Why?
Global citizenship nurtures personal respect and respect for others, wherever they live. It encourages individuals to think deeply and critically about what is equitable and just, and what will minimize harm to our planet. Exploring global citizenship themes help learners grow more confident in standing up for their beliefs, and more skilled in evaluating the ethics and impact of their decisions.

How?
Children don’t need to actually travel outside their own country to be Global Citizens; they can do it simply by having a human conscience, and learning about the world from a global perspective as opposed to a single one.  Preschool children can begin the process of becoming a global citizen by: ​

  • participating in the community at a range of levels, from the local to the global.
  • taking responsibility for their actions and understanding that they have an impact on others around them.
  • respecting and valuing other cultures and diversity. 
  • being flexible, creative and proactive.
  • learning to solve problems, make decisions, think critically, communicate ideas effectively and work well within teams and groups. 
  • exploring, developing, and expressing their own values and opinions