LAHORE: Unesco’s Youth4GCED Regional Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) concluded in Lahore, organised by The Little Art, UNESCO APCEIU, and the GCED Youth Network. Held from Oct 31 to Nov 2, the workshop brought together over 28 young leaders from seven South Asian countries to explore the transformative power of GCED, cultural exchange, and social justice.

On the final day, lead organiser Umair Mushtaq conducted an interactive arts-based activity, helping participants deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship Education through creative expression. Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Umair said, “Cultural exchange, education, and global citizenship are more important now than ever. They allow young people to connect beyond borders, understand diverse perspectives, and find common ground in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. This workshop aims to inspire youth to become agents of change by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead impactful projects in their communities.”

In another session, Muhammad Zahid from The Infinite Solution focused on ‘Leveraging Technology for Social Impact (AI and Tools for Youth Empowerment)’, highlighting technology’s role in bridging the gap between theory and practice and equipping youth to make positive impacts in their daily lives.

A key highlight was the collaborative development of a Global Citizenship Education Youth Declaration for the region. In this document, young leaders address major challenges and advocate for the integration of Global Citizenship Education in both formal and non-formal educational settings across South Asia. The declaration expresses their commitment to promoting GCED and serves as an advocacy tool that will be presented at regional summits and conferences to amplify their voices and garner support for youth-led initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates were awarded to all participants, recognising their commitment and contributions. These youth leaders now return to their communities with a shared mission to foster positive change across South Asia, inspiring others to join their efforts as champions of global citizenship and social justice.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024