From Division to Dialogue: How South Korea’s Vision for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Speaks to Us All By Dr. Shishir K. Srivastava

In today’s world—marked by rising nationalism, cultural intolerance, and the erosion of shared values—the Republic of Korea stands as a beacon of hope through its global advocacy for Global Citizenship Education (GCED). This is not merely a policy or a curriculum model—it’s a bold, values-driven commitment to shaping the next generation of peace-builders and changemakers.

A major force behind this commitment is the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), headquartered in South Korea. Established to promote peace, human rights and sustainable development through education, APCEIU plays a pivotal role in advancing GCED across the region and beyond. It equips educators with training, teaching resources, and global platforms to exchange best practices—ensuring that GCED moves from theory to meaningful classroom action.

South Korea’s leadership in this field is not coincidental. The country’s own journey—from division and conflict to democracy and rapid development—gives it a unique moral authority and cultural sensitivity to champion global citizenship. As home to APCEIU, Korea uses its educational strength to foster intercultural dialogue and global cooperation.

But what are the real challenges they—and we—are trying to solve?

We face polarized societies, often split along political, religious, or digital lines. Misinformation travels faster than truth. Young people are growing up digitally connected but emotionally fragmented. In this context, Global Citizenship Education is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

GCED equips learners with:

  • The critical thinking to question hate narratives.
  • The empathy to understand people different from themselves.
  • The responsibility to protect the planet and uplift the vulnerable.
  • And the civic courage to engage in public life constructively and ethically.

I believe Korea’s vision is profoundly global—and deeply local. Their challenges mirror those faced in India, in Asia, and across the world. In response, my initiative Global Unity 2035 is working to create youth-led change from the ground up. Already being implemented in 10 schools in Lucknow, our 12-module GCED program empowers students to go beyond identities of nationality and religion—to embrace their roles as caretakers of humanity and the Earth.

I’ve seen a transformation in the students I teach. One recently shared with me:

“Before these sessions, I saw myself only as an Indian. Now, I feel like a citizen of the world—with a duty to protect our planet and stand for peace.”

That is the spirit we need—across India, South Korea and the world.

With institutions like APCEIU leading global GCED efforts and educators across nations responding to the call, we are one step closer to a world where every young person grows not just to succeed—but to serve, connectand unite.




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This article is part of the 100-article series from Shishir Leadership Academy, designed to ignite a global shift toward values-based and peace-centered education. Join us as we help universities shape not just futures, but futures with a soul.

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Dr. Shishir K. Srivastava is an educationist, peacebuilder and Founder of Shishir Leadership Academy. With over two decades of leadership at City Montessori School, he champions Global Citizenship Education (GCED) to nurture values-based, purpose-driven youth. His mission is to embed GCED in schools and universities worldwide for a more peaceful and united future.

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