Global Citizenship and Education

Global Citizenship is a broad concept with numerous definitions. Broadly speaking, however, all definitions share the idea that to be a global citizen is to be a responsible and active member of the global community and to define oneself beyond national boundaries. It is also associated with an international outlook and experience, philanthropy or concern towards distant others, and involvement in international networks addressing global concerns. 

The Centre for Applied Buddhism focuses its work on global citizenship based on three perspectives developed by the educator, philosopher and activist Daisaku Ikeda. These are:

• The altruistic consciousness embodied in the Bodhisattva spirit which is to work for the happiness of all humanity: In contemporary terms, this is an awareness of self and others and a desire for social justice, human rights and equality.
• The interconnectedness and interdependence of all life: Buddhism regards all life and the environment – sentient and non-sentient – as interrelated and interconnected. Global citizens are therefore concerned for the health, happiness and well-being of all people and the planet on which we depend.
• Action based on universal values that protect the dignity of life: Global citizens have a sense of responsibility for the world in which they live and take action in numerous ways, local and global. From a Buddhist perspective this is based on the concept of ‘inner universality’ in which people develop the expansive life condition to embrace all living beings and take action on their behalf.