Global Education refers to an educational approach that transcends national borders and fosters an understanding of global issues, intercultural competence, and a sense of global citizenship. United Nations Secretary General in his speech at UN General Assembly asked “I regard myself as a lifelong student…Without education, where would I be? Where would any of us be?” Because education transforms lives, economies and societies, “we must transform education”. It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to engage with global challenges, promote sustainable development, and contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world. In this article, we will explore the importance and purposes of global education, as well as the role of the United Nations (UN) and various states in promoting it.

1. Global Education: Importance, Purposes,
and the Role of the UN and States
by
Global Concerns
Image Credit: Google
Gulzar Ahmed
Global Education refers to an educational approach that transcends
national borders and fosters an understanding of global issues,
intercultural competence, and a sense of global citizenship.

2. United Nations Secretary General in his speech at UN General
Assembly asked “I regard myself as a lifelong student…Without
education, where would I be? Where would any of us be?”
Because education transforms lives, economies and societies, “we must
transform education”.
It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
necessary to engage with global challenges, promote sustainable
development, and contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected
world.
In this article, we will explore the importance and purposes of global
education, as well as the role of the United Nations (UN) and various
states in promoting it.
I. Importance of Global Education:
Global Awareness and Understanding:
Global education provides individuals with a broader perspective on the
world, helping them understand global issues, such as poverty, climate
change, and human rights.
It encourages empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation of
diversity, fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.

3. “Global Education is not a zero-sum Game. The rise of Universities in
Asia will be a benefit to the entire World,”
Richard Levin
Promoting Global Citizenship:
Global education instills a sense of global citizenship by emphasizing
the interconnectedness of people and the responsibility to address global
challenges collectively.
It encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping the world,
promoting social justice, and advocating for sustainable development.
Enhancing Intercultural Competence:
In an increasingly interconnected world, intercultural competence is
crucial.
Global education promotes understanding, respect, and effective
communication across different cultures, religions, and backgrounds,
facilitating cooperation and reducing conflicts.

4. Preparing for the Global Job Market:
Globalization has transformed the job market, requiring individuals with
a global mindset and cross-cultural skills.
Global education equips learners with critical thinking, problem-solving,
and adaptability skills, preparing them for careers in diverse fields and
enhancing their employability.
II. Purposes of Global Education:
Sustainable Development:
Global education aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting awareness of environmental
sustainability, social equity, and economic development.
It aims to empower individuals to contribute to sustainable practices and
take action towards achieving the SDGs.
Human Rights and Social Justice:
Global education emphasizes the importance of human rights, social
justice, and equality.

5. It raises awareness about human rights abuses, discrimination, and
inequality, encouraging individuals to become advocates for justice and
contribute to positive social change.
Peace and Conflict Resolution:
By fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, global education
contributes to peace-building efforts.
It promotes conflict resolution, non-violent communication, and
mediation skills, empowering individuals to work towards peaceful
coexistence and resolving global conflicts.
Democratic Engagement:
Global education promotes democratic values, active citizenship, and
civic participation.
It encourages individuals to engage in democratic processes, understand
political systems, and advocate for accountable governance, ensuring the
protection of human rights and democratic principles.

6. III. Role of the UN and Various States:
The United Nations (UN):
The UN plays a crucial role in promoting global education through
various initiatives and agencies:
a. UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization is responsible for coordinating international efforts to
advance education.
It supports the development of inclusive, quality education systems
worldwide and promotes global citizenship education.

7. Image Credit: Google
b. Sustainable Development Goals: The UN's SDGs provide a
framework for global education by addressing key challenges, such as
poverty, gender inequality, and climate change.
The SDGs guide national policies, international cooperation, and
educational initiatives.

8. States and National Governments:
States and national governments have a responsibility to promote global
education within their jurisdictions:
a. Policy Development: Governments formulate policies that integrate
global education into national curricula, emphasizing global issues,
intercultural understanding, and sustainable development.
They establish frameworks and guidelines for schools and educators to
incorporate global education into teaching practices.
b. Teacher Training: States invest in professional development
programs to equip teachers with the knowledge so they can contribute
well in education development.
UN SDGs Data Report on Education for the year 2022:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education, causing an estimated
147 million children to miss more than half of their in-class instruction
over the past two years.
This disruption could result in a combined total of $17 trillion in lifetime
earnings loss for this generation of children.

9. Progress in completing upper secondary school has been modest, with
the proportion of young people completing it increasing from 54% in
2015 to 58% in 2020.
However, the rate of progress has slowed compared to the previous
five-year period.
Data from 73 countries, mostly low- and middle-income, show that
around 70% of children aged 3 and 4 years old are developmentally on
track.
This indicates positive progress in early childhood development.
While the participation rate in organized pre-school learning has
increased steadily, reaching 75% in 2020, there is significant variation
between countries.
Only 20% of countries have taken significant measures to provide
additional mental health and psychosocial support for students following
school reopening, highlighting the need for greater attention to students'
well-being.
Gender parity remains a challenge in terms of both children meeting
minimum learning proficiency standards in reading and lower secondary
completion rates.

10. Most countries have not achieved these targets.
Access to basic services such as electricity, drinking water, and
sanitation facilities remains a concern, with approximately 25% of
primary schools globally lacking these essential amenities.
Additionally, only around 50% of primary schools have access to
facilities like information and communications technology and
disability-adapted infrastructure.
In 2020, there were approximately 12 million pre-primary
schoolteachers, 33 million primary school teachers, and 38 million
secondary school teachers worldwide.
Thankfully, 83% of primary and secondary school teachers received
training, indicating efforts to improve teacher quality.
These statistics highlight the significant challenges that still exist in
ensuring quality education for all.

11. Image Credit: Google
Conclusion:
Global education holds immense importance in our increasingly
interconnected world.
It not only equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to
navigate global challenges but also fosters a sense of global citizenship
and promotes sustainable development.

12. By raising awareness of global issues, promoting intercultural
competence, and emphasizing social justice and peace, global education
plays a vital role in shaping responsible and engaged global citizens.
The United Nations, through agencies like UNESCO and the Sustainable
Development Goals, plays a significant role in promoting global
education on an international scale.
The UN provides a framework for global education initiatives and
facilitates cooperation among nations to address global challenges
collectively.
Additionally, states and national governments have a crucial role to play
in integrating global education into national curricula, providing teacher
training, and creating policies that support its implementation.
In conclusion, global education is essential for creating a more inclusive,
tolerant, and sustainable world.
It empowers individuals to understand and address global challenges,
fosters empathy and cultural sensitivity, and prepares them for the global
job market.
Through the collective efforts of the UN, states, and educational
institutions, global education can continue to inspire generations to

13. become active global citizens who work towards a more just and
interconnected world.
It is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work
together to address these issues and prioritize education as a
fundamental right.
By investing in education, we can create a more equitable and
prosperous world, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and
contribute to society.
Published by Global Concerns at Glance