Just published: Addressing global citizenship education in adult learning and education: summary report

This publication outlines developments and gaps in the field of global citizenship education (GCED) for adult learners. It showcases good practices and, at the same time, demonstrates that in many countries global citizenship is not (yet) part of adult learning and education programmes.

While it is already being promoted in schools and formal education, and some progress has been made concerning non-formal education approaches, further efforts are needed to update all relevant stakeholders on the importance of GCED for adult learners. Policymakers, researchers and practitioners need to be made aware of the importance of GCED in lifelong learning and in non-formal learning and education, focusing on adult learning and education in peace promotion, conflict prevention, inclusion and social cohesion.

The publication, co-authored by Christiana Nikolitsa-Winter, Werner Mauch and Philippe Maalouf, programme specialists at UIL/UNESCO, attempts to deepen understanding of the field of GCED and its relevance to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The three areas of sustainability – economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection – rely on the contribution of informed citizens. Moreover, GCED requires a lifelong learning perspective, beginning in early childhood and continuing through all levels of education into adulthood, including both formal and informal approaches.

The purpose of the report is to not only inform, but also to inspire Member States to work with UNESCO in promoting global citizenship through adult learning and education, as adults are the agents with primary responsibility for building peaceful, just and democratic societies today.