As part of iLEGEND III, a joint Programme co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, the Global Education Week "Connected People for an Inclusive Planet", an international awareness raising initiative, took place from the 18 to 24 November. As a transformative and a learner-centred learning process, global education stimulates self-consciousness about the learner’s responsibility as an agent of change within its political, economic, social and cultural environment. It also invites learners and educators to explore the impact and interconnectedness between local actions and global challenges.

From the Milija Nikčević Elementary School in Nikšić, Montenegro, teacher Dragana Radoman expressed: “The Global Education Week is full of interactive activities implemented through regular classes and extracurricular initiatives.” With 600 students and 30 teachers participating in workshops, art performances, but also debates or murals, Ms Radoman noted that, implemented for five years, the Global Education Week in her school has transformed teaching methods by fostering critical thinking and encouraging a more global perspective.

Ms Radoman engagement extended to an online intercultural conference on November 21, organised by Montenegro’s National Coordinators: Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the Bureau for Educational Services, and the Forum MNE. The event brought together experts to emphasise the importance of the interconnectedness of people and institutions at the local and global level gathered around a common vision of Global Education.

During the conference, Marko Vukašinović, Director General for European Integration and EU Funds in the Ministry, highlighted the importance of the Global Education Week as a unique opportunity to reflect on collective responsibility while valuing each culture’s contribution. Natalija Aceska, adviser in the Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia, presented Council of Europe’s tools like the Reference framework for democratic culture and online resources (for instance the platform in 16 languages "Living and learning democracy in schools and at home” for teachers, principals and parents).

Ms Radoman praised the conference for its “fruitful exchange” and “practical ideas” that can be adapted locally. In parallel, she noted the growing interest for the Global Education Week in her school: “Every year, more teachers join the project, inspired by positive student feedback.”

The Global Education Week is part of iLEGEND III, a joint programme co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe with the Global Education Network. It offers diverse opportunities for participation and aims to develop learning communities for active global citizenship. Educators, students, civil society organisations, government agencies, educational institutions and communities around the world are invited to come together and address these global challenges through local actions.