Training teachers to build global citizenship

Global Citizenship Education (GCED), as outlined in Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, is arguably more essential now than at any other time since such educational programs were first introduced in the 1920s and 1930s. This need is particularly pressing in the current international context, characterized by in-creasing distrust in the democratic functioning of societies and exacerbated by social and ideological polariza-tion, which has been globally intensified by nationalist and populist movements. It is therefore imperative to equip students with the necessary skills to critically engage with and address the growing complexity of global challenges. In this, teachers play a pivotal role. Both their initial training and continuous professional develop-ment are crucial. Advancing research on the role of educators in fostering the knowledge, values, attitudes and competencies associated with GCED is of utmost relevance, given its direct impact on shaping future citizens who are active, responsible, well-informed and committed to addressing global challenges.