Schools in Action

Abstract

We are living in a complex, interconnected and interdependent world. The dramatic global challenges that our planet and societies are facing affect all of us. They include conflicts, terrorism, poverty, climate change, environmental degradation and equitable management of natural resources. In order to engage with 21st century problems and find solutions to tackle them locally and globally, we need to be equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge, attitudes and values. Understanding ourselves and our connections with others, as well as realizing our individual and collective impacts on the world around us, empowers us to take action towards securing a more just, peaceful, tolerant, inclusive and sustainable world for everyone, everywhere. The UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in Action: Global Citizens for Sustainable Development student guide aims to introduce secondary school students to Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and provide them with ideas and activities to contribute proactively to a more peaceful and sustainable world. The guide draws on the discussions and activities of almost 1,100 participants from 104 countries, including ASPnet National Coordinators, school principals, teachers, students and experts who contributed to the ASPnet Online Collaborative Platform: Global Citizens Connected for Sustainable Development in 2014 and 2015 [http://en.unesco.org/aspnet/globalcitizens]. You will find in this student guide: An overview of what it means to be a global citizen and of how you can contribute to sustainable development. Ideas for getting active yourself, as part of your home, school, community, country and globally. Selected activities on GCED and ESD from ASPnet schools around the world. We hope this guide will inspire you to take action. Along with ASPnet teachers and your community, we encourage you to network and participate in activities suggested by the guide and invite you to share your activities and learning with your friends and at school.