Global

CitizensCharlene Kong Yuiin Yee

2H

What the definition of a Global Citizen?

Global citizenship is the concept of citizenship on a global level. It is distinct from the concept of world citizenship.

Where and when did it come from?

Citizenship is a term that dates back to the Ancient Greeks.

The theory of 'citizenship' developed when interaction increased,

Ancient Greeks and Romans began to call themselves 'citizens of the world'

(or 'global citizens') and started to look at their lives in a much wider context.

Characteristics of a global citizen

anyone who works to make the

world a better place

willing to act if they

feel that the world they

live in is not what it

should be.

cares about themselves, how they act and how their actions impact others, both

locally and remotely

Did you know???every single one of us is a 'Global Citizen', whether we are conscious of it or not. Our daily lives are affected by what people are doing on the other side of the earth. That’s why we need to know that our actions have effects on them.Young people are growing up in an increasingly global context. Many will live, work and study alongside people from all over the world.

The Following Aspects are the Constituent Features of a Global Citizen:

Is aware of the wider world Has a sense of their own role as a world citizen;Has an understanding of how the world works economicallypolitically sociallyculturallytechnologically environmentally.

We see a Global Citizen as someone Who:

is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen;respects and values diversity;has an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally;is outraged by social injustice;participates in and contributes to the community at a range of levels

from local to global;

( Adapted from the Iowa state of university memorial union student activities center website )

Who are they and what did they do…..

i. Albert Einstein [1879-1955]

Einstein had clarified the cultural scope his support for the Jewish people. Likely emboldened by his take on nationalism, Einstein publicly stated his position against the political movement to establish a Jewish nation state. His E=MC2 equation is famous. Einstein transcends nationalism. It highlighted the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and called for world leaders to seek peaceful resolutions to international conflict. The manifesto is a bold call for the humanity: “Remember your humanity, and forget the rest.” Einstein is indirectly a powerful icon for the spirit of global-belonging.

iii. Mahatma Gandhi [1869-1948]

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian Independence Movement. Gandhi drew his inspiration from Hinduism. He believed Hinduism is the Religion of humanity . . . He was led to this religion through Truth and Non-violence. He described his religion as Religion of Truth. He considered nationalism an important aspect of the anti-colonial struggle.

ii. Martin Luther King, Jr. [1929-1968]

• Martin Luther King, Jr. lead America’s rise from institutionalized racism. King argued that humanity had lost the spiritual compass provided by a deep and abiding faith in God.

• Although his primary struggle was dismantling the American apartheid, he also affirmed that an individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

• King’s local focus was right on target although his struggle drew its strength from his humanity-orientation, rooted in his own perception of Christianity.

Why Global Citizenships?

To save humanity from its destructive forces that threaten us all, global citizenship movement is very important. It should be affirmed in the spirit of global-belonging. There are other icons for the spirit and as we identify and acknowledge these and other icons, it is crucial for humanity to strive to grow in the spirit of global-belonging.

Do you realize the importance of Global Citizenship? Don’t you think actions

should be taken to create awareness??

Globalization??

How do we create a world of global citizens??

To create awareness about the importance of global citizenships, information should be given through education. Global Citizenship should not be an additional subject because it is an ethos. It is best implemented through a whole-school approach, involving everyone in educating children, from the children to teachers and parents, the school board members, and the community.

To underline the notion of a global dimension are eight key concepts. These help us clarify what the global dimension means:

Citizenship: gaining the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to become informed, active, responsible global citizens

Sustainable development: understanding the need to maintain and improve quality of life now without damaging the planet for future generations

Values and perceptions: developing a critical evaluation of images of the developing world - the 'South' - and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values

Interdependence: understanding how people, places and environments are all inextricably interrelated and that events have repercussions on a global scale

Social justice: understanding the importance of social justice as an element in both sustainable development and the improved welfare of all people

Diversity: understanding and respecting differences and relating these to our common humanity

Conflict resolution: understanding how conflicts are a barrier to development and why there is a need for their resolution and the promotion of harmony

Human rights: knowing about human rights and understanding their breadth and universality. ‘