Global Vision, Local Action; Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship
The 4th International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship, led by the Centre for Global Perspectives at Bournemouth University (BU), was attended by 60 delegates from institutions across the UK and abroad. The conference addressed the overlapping themes of Sustainable Development, Internationalisation and Global Citizenship and explored both the interconnections between these themes, and how local action addresses global concerns. The conference proposed that these are not separate issues; holistic approaches that encompass all aspects of university life are important if higher education is to contribute effectively to global sustainability. The conference reinforced the importance of sharing experience and collaboration in learning to enhance local actions and take forward sustainability and globalisation within higher education, acknowledging the work of the Earth Charter which suggests 'As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile (...) we have much to learn from the ongoing collaborative search for truth and wisdom.' The conference attracted champions who are taking forward sustainable development, internationalisation and global citizenship within the context of Schools and Further/ Higher Education. Presenters offered perspectives related to learning, teaching and assessment, student support, extra-curricular activities, initiatives that address sustainable development on campus and projects which demonstrate student engagement and the connections between the local and the global. David Willey. Deputy Vice Chancellor at Bournemouth welcomed delegates; Chris Shiel, the Director of the Centre for Global Perspectives facilitated the two days and delivered a keynote 'Are we there yet' which updated on progress at Bournemouth and reviewed the previous conferences. She suggested that while considerable progress has been made in developing the concepts and taking forward the agenda, there is still a long journey ahead. Keynote speakers, included Dr Douglas Bourn from the Development Education Research Centre, Institute of Education who brought a research perspective; Theo Sowa CBE, a UK Charity Commissioner and International Advisor who spoke about the reality of the global, sharing a perspective gained from her substantial International development experience and work in Africa, and Professor Michelle Barker from Griffith University who shared experience of developing global citizens 'down under.' As one participant commented, Theo's presentation was 'the highlight and very inspiring'; another commented on the 'value of the Australian perspective' and the benefit of 'sharing ideas with colleagues from other institutions and other countries.' After two days of stimulating presentations and workshops Chris drew the conference to a close presenting a summary and highlighting BU's vision and values: 'With a continual sharing of ideas, cultures and knowledge our staff, students and alumni will gain a global perspective and participate as global citizens in addressing societal challenges and shaping society.' She concluded that taking forward education for sustainable development is vital but challenging; when we feel dispirited we should remember that we really have no idea of what 'hard' means. She then showed a moving set of images, as a reminder of the challenges and hard issues faced by others across the globe. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive 'It was a stimulating, varied and extremely well organised conference.' Many participants commented that the venue for the conference dinner, The Green House Hotel was not only appropriate (it gained the Greenest Hotel Award) but served the 'best conference dinner ever' with Fairtrade wine and locally sourced food. Chris Shiel Director Centre for Global Perspectives << Back to Global Perspectives News and Events |
