This is an election year, and Latin America and the Caribbean face three major social, economic, and political challenges at the dawn of the 21st century: reducing poverty, increasing competitiveness, and consolidating integration. Democracy is our most powerful tool for addressing global challenges and we must defend it as one of humanity’s greatest achievements. That´s why we are launching a new series of blogs about Global Citizenship Skills.
By Mercedes Mateo, Chief of Education, IDB.
As we navigate 2024, a critical year, with elections in more than 60 countries affecting almost half of the globe’s population, it is crucial to reflect on our collective agency to drive change. Democracy remains a powerful mechanism to address global challenges, allowing both collective and individual voices to be heard.
Latin America and the Caribbean face significant challenges: reducing poverty and inequality, bolstering sustainable regional growth and addressing climate change. Addressing these issues requires the ability to act collectively which in turn requires well-prepared individuals with a sense of purpose and mutual responsibility.
The good news is that the necessary skills to meet these challenges can be cultivated and developed. How and what role does education play in shaping informed, active citizens who uphold profound civic and democratic values? How can we foster a shared sense of responsibility to create sustainable solutions for the future?
Education should be at the center. It is through education that we can equip individuals with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential for informed and active participation in society. This is why today, to celebrate International Democracy Day, we are launching a dynamic blog series, featuring global experts who will delve into these critical questions. Over the next twelve weeks, the series will explore Global Citizenship Skills through four main lenses: Civics, Gender and Diversity, Green Citizenship, and Human Rights and Peace.
Civic Skills and Values
Citizenship values begin at an early age. In our first blog, award-winning children’s book author Rana DiOrio will discuss how individual actions influence the world around us. She highlights the power of empathy, the importance of community, and the beauty of diversity in nurturing responsible global citizens from childhood.
Schools play a pivotal role in nurturing these values, and we’ll explore global citizenship education and the progress towards SDG 4.7, which calls on learners to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. Notable contributions include Eleonora Reimers from Boston University, who will introduce the concept of educating for democratic citizenship, and Dr. Tavis D. Jules from Loyola University Chicago, who will explore the regional construction of global citizenship education.
Additionally, Laura Agosta from IREX will shed light on media literacy, and Jannie Lilja, former director of peace and development research at SIPRI, will tackle the issue of disinformation.
Green citizenship
Our planet’s future depends on green skills. Soledad Bos, Andrea Bergamaschi, and Liora Schwartz from the IDB will bring in external experts to discuss how the IDB supports green skills development.
Have you heard of Ecopedagogy? Emerging from critical theories and rooted in Latin America’s popular education models, Ecopedagogy focuses on uncovering the links between environmental and social violence that perpetuate inequality and marginalization. Greg William Misiaszek from UCLA and Beijing Normal University will explore its profound significance in both local and global contexts.
Gender and diversity
Inclusive education is the bedrock of a just society. Romélia Mó, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education in Guatemala, will emphasize the importance of inclusive and intercultural bilingual education and Dr. Juliana Martinez from the American University will discuss gender equality in schools.
Human rights and peace
Human rights and peace are vital for thriving communities. Esperanza Milena Torres Madroñero from Colegio Mayor de Antioquia will discuss peace education in transitional contexts, while Enrique Chaux from UniAndes will share insights on ‘Aulas de Paz,’ a school-based program designed to prevent violence and promote peace among elementary students.
The road ahead is challenging, but the potential for positive change is immense. By developing and harnessing Global Citizenship Skills, we can empower individuals to become active and informed participants in positively shaping their societies. Over the coming months, our blog series will dive deep into these crucial topics, offering fresh insights and practical approaches from leading experts around the world. Don’t miss out—join us on this journey to inspire action, spark dialogue, and drive transformation across Latin America and the Caribbean.
This blog series is part of the Skills for Life Initiative, an Inter-American Development Bank effort to develop crucial competences among children and youth in Latin America and the Caribbean and address the skills gap deeply present in our region.
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