Introduction

Abstract

AbstractGlobal learning stands at a crossroads. In recent decades, higher education has experienced dramatic growth in the volume and quality of international education. Global citizenship education principles are increasingly imbued in K-12 education. Large advocacy organizations like Global Citizen have emerged to increase awareness about the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. More individuals, from youth through seniors, are interested in engaging in the world to address these issues and adopt an active citizen identity. This volume is a collaboration of voices from across the globe that share the successes and challenges of global citizenship education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 in mind: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, with the intent that all learners will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to promote “sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development” (UN Sustainable Development Goal, target 4.7). It is through this lens that we showcase the work of researchers, practitioners, civil society, and thought leaders in global citizenship for lifelong learning. Beyond the walls of schoolhouses and national borders, global citizenship is something that can be leveraged at any age and stage, if we can cultivate the agency and tools to promote the rights and dignity of all.KeywordLifelong Learning and Global CitizenshipGlobal Citizenship and Adult LearningGlobal LearningGlobal Community-Based LearningGlobal Citizenship EducationCommunity Education