Being a global citizen means caring about people, the planet, and fairness for everyone. It’s about standing up for what’s right, helping others, and working together to make the world a better place. This guide explores its meaning, benefits, challenges, and how to take action. 
 

What is a global citizen?

A global citizen is someone who sees themselves as part of a big, worldwide community. They know that what they do, say, or buy can affect people and the planet everywhere. Global citizens understand their place in the wider world and that they are a ‘citizen of the world’ - not only a citizen of where they live. 

Global citizens try to help fix big issues in the world such as inequality, extreme poverty, climate change, human rights and conflict. They recognise that they have a duty to contribute to positive change in the world and that our collective actions are powerful.
 

The core values of a global citizen

The core values of global citizens are rooted in social, political, environmental and economic actions. 

Social

The core values of a global citizen from a social perspective include: 

• Respecting diversity and culture
• Promoting and defending human rights
• Advocating for equality
• Fostering empathy and understanding
• Understanding our ‘connectedness’ and our ‘shared responsibility’   

Political

The core values of a global citizen from a political perspective include: 

• Participating in democratic processes, such as voting and the right to protest
• Speaking out against injustices
• Holding governments and leaders to account on policies and law 

Environmental

• The core values of a global citizen from an environmental perspective include:
• Protecting the Earth and having a shared global responsibility to tackle climate change
• Reducing harm to the environment through individual and collective action
• Holding governments and leaders to account on their environmental policies
• Protecting resources for future generations 

Economic

• The core values of a global citizen from an economic perspective include:
• Advocating for fair trade and ethical labour practices
• Challenging exploitation and modern-day slavery
• Promoting economic equality for all
• Encouraging responsible consumption of resources and products 
   

Why global citizenship is important 

Issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality and the right to education require global solutions. Global citizens believe we all have a part to play creating peace and building a safer, more fair world. They try to understand and respect other people.  

Global citizens have a strong awareness of how their actions impact others around the world. Being a global citizen means standing up for the rights of others and respecting people in all their diversity. Global citizenship tries to change things locally, regionally and on a global scale.  
 

Examples of global citizenship 

There are many different ways that people express being a global citizen. For example school children all over the world have joined climate marches to ask leaders to stop pollution. Thousands of people sign petitions to help those being treated unfairly for speaking out for what they feel is right. Some also speak out when laws affect people’s rights, such as the new law in Hungary that has banned assemblies that support LGBTQ+ events. Tens of thousands of people came out to celebrate pride in Bupdapest and protest the law. 
 

Global citizenship education 

The term 'global citizen' was coined in 2011. Global Citizenship Education (GCED) teaches people about the world and how we are all connected. It teaches children and adults how to solve some of the biggest social, political, economic and environmental issues.  

Many schools around the world now teach GCED as part of their curriculum so children can grow up to make the world a better place. 

How global citizenship can be promoted

The annual Global Citizen Festival, organised by the Global Poverty Project is an interesting example of living out the values of global citizenship. This music festival is headlined by some of the world’s biggest artists and takes place in Central Park in New York. To get a ticket, you have to earn it by taking actions on behalf of global causes - such as signing a petition or joining a movement. As Global Poverty Project cofounder, Hugh Evans, said in his TED talk: What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?, “Activism is the currency.” 
 

Challenges of global citizenship 

In countries with very strict laws or beliefs, people can get into trouble for speaking up for others. For example, in some countries, being LGBTIQ+ is against the law. People who join pride events or support LGBTIQ+ rights might be bullied, hurt, or even put in prison.  

Money can also be a problem. Some people want to buy fair trade or eco-friendly products, but these can cost more. Not everyone can afford them. 

Another challenge is that many people around the world don’t know what global citizenship is. If they haven’t learned about it at school or in their community, it can be hard for them to get involved. 
 

Taking action as a global citizen 

There are so many ways to take action as a global citizen. Here are some examples: 

• Take part in Earth Hour by turning off your lights for one hour
• Join a climate march to ask for action on global warming
• Take action with groups like Plan International UK
• Join a movement that supports people or the planet
• Use social media to speak out about climate change, conflict, poverty, unfairness, or gender equality
• Volunteer to help groups making the world fairer and kinder for everyone 
   

FAQ’s about being a global citizen 

Here are three frequently asked questions about being a global citizen. 

What is ethical global citizenship?

Ethical global citizenship means acting with responsibility towards both people and the planet. It means respecting different cultures and making choices that benefit the global community. It’s about recognising our shared humanity, despite our geographical borders. 

What is environmental global citizenship?

Environmental global citizenship is our shared responsibility to look after the planet. It’s about understanding how individual and collective choices, such as the energy we use and where it comes from, affects the environment. 

Environmental global citizens take steps to reduce pollution. They avoid fast fashion and companies with poor environmental practices. They promote policies that protect both climate and conservation. 

What are some real-life examples of global citizens? 

Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai and both real-life examples of global citizens. 

Greta Thunberg is a young Swedish activist who challenges world leaders to take action on climate change. In 2015, aged 15, she began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament to call for stronger action on climate change. Her ‘school strike for climate’ inspired schoolchildren around the world to take action. In 2019 she was the youngest person to be named as Time’s Person of the Year. 

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani human rights activist for the education of women and children. When she was 11 years old, she wrote a blog under a pseudonym to detail her life under the Taliban’s occupation of her city. The following year the New York Times made a documentary about her life. In 2012, while on a bus after taking an exam, Malala and two other girls were shot by a Taliban gunman. Despite this traumatic incident, she became an even more prominent activist for the right to education. Her advocacy has sparked a global movement and in 2014, aged 17, she became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala also set up a foundation to tackle issues of girls' access to education.