Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and the Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), in collaboration with UNESCO, recently organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in Bandung, Indonesia. The primary objective of this event, held from June 6 to 8, 2023, was to familiarize selected UPI faculty members with the concept of GCED so that they can become core trainers and researchers in this field. The training aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop GCED courses for teacher education in Indonesia.
Distinguished presenters and experts, including Ms. Yangsook Lee and Dr. Min Joung Park from UNESCO APCEIU, Prof. Dr. Rohizani Yaakub from the University Sains Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Dasim Budimansyah from GCC-Indonesia, and Prof. Ace Suryadi from GCC-Indonesia, delivered informative presentations during the ToT. The event was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi and coordinators Prof. Dr. Danny Meirawan and Dr. Ridwan Purnama from UPI, along with other participants such as teachers and representatives from the Provincial Education Office of West Java.
The ToT covered various topics, including the interconnectedness and diversity of global issues, a deeper understanding of GCED, the conceptual framework of GCED, and UNESCO’s guidance. The event also focused on promoting GCED in the Asia-Pacific region and introducing teaching-learning resources available for GCED practice in schools in Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Participants discussed the current situation of GCED in Indonesia, its integration into teacher education, and the design of GCED courses for teachers. Additionally, participants worked in groups to explore how GCED could be integrated at UPI.
This collaboration between UPI and APCEIU, with the support of UNESCO, demonstrates their shared commitment and interest in promoting GCED in Indonesia. The partnership aims to enhance the capacities of teacher education institutions through the implementation of the GCED Cooperation Center Project. The project encompasses four key areas: teacher training in GCED, development of GCED curriculum and courses, GCED research and policy development, and dissemination of information on GCED.
Ms. Yangsook Lee highlighted that GCED is an educational approach that emphasizes the development of students’ competencies, values, and attitudes to enable them to become active and responsible global citizens. It seeks to promote understanding of global issues, cultural diversity, social justice, human rights, and sustainable development. By improving critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration skills, GCED prepares individuals to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Prof. Dr. Dasim Budimansyah emphasized that the workshop’s objectives were to enhance the capacity of UPI faculty members in GCED and to discuss its integration within UPI and beyond. The participants received lectures from international experts and national specialists in GCED, providing them with advanced knowledge to design GCED courses for teacher education in Indonesia. The diverse group of participants included UPI faculty members, as well as primary, secondary, and high school teachers from Bandung and representatives from the Provincial Education Office of West Java.
Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi highlighted the increasing importance of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in today’s world, given the complex global challenges we face. GCE aims to empower individuals to become responsible global citizens who can contribute to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. Educators play a crucial role in delivering quality GCED programs that equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values for global citizenship.
GCED is not limited to knowledge acquisition but also focuses on developing values and skills such as empathy,respect, dialogue, collaboration, and action. It is applicable to all levels and types of education, including early childhood to higher education, formal and non-formal education, and lifelong learning. GCED can be integrated into various subjects and activities, requiring innovative pedagogies that engage learners in experiential and transformative learning. Additionally, GCED has a strong policy dimension in the global sustainable development agenda, necessitating support from policymakers and authorities to create an enabling environment for its implementation.
Overall, the partnership between UPI, APCEIU, and UNESCO reflects their joint dedication to promoting quality education for all and building a culture of peace and global citizenship.