Encouraging Unity through Global Education: Embracing Global Citizenship
In the ever-evolving landscape of human thought, the concept of global citizenship has emerged as a significant modern idea. Although ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome did not explicitly address global citizenship as we understand it today, they laid foundational elements that could be seen as precursors.
Ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, focused on citizenship within the city-state, emphasising participation in the political life of the community. Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato discussed the importance of the common good and civic virtues, which laid the groundwork for modern citizenship discussions.
Rome, on the other hand, extended citizenship to diverse groups across its empire, integrating peoples and cultures. The Roman concept of "civitas" emphasised legal and political rights, laying the groundwork for modern ideas of citizenship.
African philosophies, while diverse, often emphasise community and collective identity. Concepts like Ubuntu (humanity towards others) in southern Africa highlight the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, which could be seen as a form of local citizenship. However, these philosophies are not directly linked to the modern concept of global citizenship.
Buddhism emphasises universal compassion and interconnectedness, principles that can be interpreted as supporting a global perspective that transcends national boundaries. However, Buddhism does not explicitly address political citizenship in the modern sense.
Many Asian cultures, such as Confucianism in East Asia, emphasise community and social harmony, fostering cooperation and mutual respect, which could contribute to a sense of global citizenship.
In the contemporary world, US colleges and universities are increasingly promoting the concept of global citizenship through various initiatives. Many institutions offer courses and programs focused on global issues, cultural diversity, and international relations to foster a sense of global citizenship among students. Universities often establish partnerships with international institutions to facilitate exchange programs and joint research projects, fostering global engagement.
Soka University of America anchors its interdisciplinary curriculum in three essential elements of global citizenship and requires four semesters of language learning and mandatory study abroad. Macalester College has the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship, which develops leadership skills and multicultural awareness among its students.
The University of Houston offers a Global Citizens Credential, while Florida State University has a Global Citizenship Certificate program. Lehigh University has a Global Citizenship program, and Harvard University offers an Educating Global Citizens course designed to develop strategies for K-12 educators.
The African philosophy of Ubuntu, described by Desmond Tutu, emphasises generosity, hospitality, friendliness, care, and compassion, and is based on the idea that "I am, because you are." This philosophy provides a powerful lens for considering the meaning of global citizenship.
In conclusion, the concept of global citizenship is a modern idea that has evolved significantly over time, drawing on foundational elements from various cultures. The implementation of this concept in US colleges and universities aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to navigate and contribute to a globalised world effectively.
Soka University of America, in its interdisciplinary curriculum, prioritizes global citizenship education by requiring language learning and study abroad, linking it to the Ubuntu philosophy's concept of generosity and interconnectedness. Meanwhile, prominent scholars like Anthony Appiah have explored cosmopolitanism through international studies, advocating for an openness that embraces intercultural awareness and interconnectedness within higher education programs.
