The Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Youth Network, in collaboration with UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and The Little Art, welcomes applications from youth in South Asia for their upcoming in-person youth workshop under the theme “Youth Bridging Divides, Building Futures: GCED, social justice and emerging technologies for a Sustainable South Asia”. This workshop aims to be a meaningful platform for youth in the region to build youth capacities and consult youth communities across countries in the South Asia region. This initiative aligns with the 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development and seeks to gather insights for the Revision of the 1974 Recommendations while addressing emerging global challenges.
This workshop will focus on increasing youth’s understanding of GCED, social justice and emerging technologies; to empower youth in the region to continue leading the positive transformation in their countries and regions. Global citizenship education (GCED) is crucial for youth in South Asia, a region characterized by its rich cultural diversity and socio-economic disparities. GCED equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to engage with global issues and contribute to a more just and sustainable world. By fostering an understanding of human rights, environmental stewardship, and intercultural dialogue, GCED can help youth navigate and address the complexities of global interdependence. In South Asia, where challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and political instability are prevalent, GCED and tools to implement it can empower youth to become even more proactive agents of change, promoting social cohesion and peace both locally and globally.
To highlight the integration of social justice principles and emerging technologies into education is equally relevant for youth in the region. Social justice principles encourage young people to recognize and challenge systemic inequalities and injustices, fostering a sense of empathy and advocacy. Coupled with the relevance of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital platforms, youth can access a wealth of information and tools to drive social change. In South Asia, where access to education and technology varies widely, leveraging these tools can bridge gaps and create opportunities for marginalised communities. This workshop will combine elements of GCED, social justice, and technological innovations, so that South Asian youth can be better prepared to tackle contemporary challenges and contribute to a more equitable and innovative future.