Organised in the framework of iLEGEND III: Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue (2022–2026), a joint programme co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe,  the Global Education Network (GEN) Annual Meeting took place in Madrid from 14 to 16 April, bringing together members from over 40 countries to exchange practices and reflect on education. It was in this context that the Republic of Moldova participated for the first time as a new member of the network, alongside seven other newly joined members.

Represented by Corina Lungu, Head of the General Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Education and Research, alongside with Iosif Moldovanu, Lead Curriculum Developer and Arina Zîcu, Executive Director of the Child Rights Information Center (CRIC), Republic of Moldova’s participation marked an important step towards stronger international co-operation in education.

For Arina Zîcu, joining the network is both an important moment and an opportunity to open new avenues for mutual support. “Together with other members, we develop a common vision, learn from each other and create a space where education evolves in different formats and activities, taking into account the context of each country,” she explains.

Among the discussions, the role of education in addressing global inequalities was explored in one of the three workshops organised during the meeting. Children are born into very different realities, where access to quality education is not always guaranteed. This reinforces the responsibility to ensure education remains accessible to all. Beyond academic content, education also helps develop communication skills, respect for diversity and openness to others.

These reflections mirror the situation in Republic of Moldova, where national challenges intersect with global ones. Issues such as inequality, discrimination, limited participation of children in decision-making processes, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in education are all part of the national challenges. At a time when the country is undergoing its fifth curricular reform, the exchange of practices within the network is particularly valuable, offering insights that can inform the development of a new curriculum led by the Ministry of Education and Research.

Several practices shared during the meeting stood out as particularly inspiring. One example is the “Triple Wellbeing Framework” from the United Kingdom, which focuses on the connection with oneself, with others and with the environment. This approach aligns closely with the direction already envisaged in Moldova’s curriculum reform.

Looking ahead, the ideas discussed within the network open the way for concrete actions, from integrating new frameworks into the curriculum to strengthening participatory approaches. If one key takeaway were to be retained, it would be the importance of valuing diversity. As Arina Zîcu underlines, the diversity of experiences, cultures, people and ideas creates a powerful space for learning and for enriching local practices.

A core ambition of iLEGEND III is to bridge formal and non-formal education, aligning both sectors more closely with the underlying principles of Global Education and fostering coherent, systemic approaches to learning for sustainable development.

Global Education is also closely aligned with the core values of the Council of Europe. By encouraging critical thinking, solidarity, and active civic engagement, Global Education strengthens human rights education and contributes to building a human rights culture within diverse and interconnected societies, helping learners to understand global challenges, inequalities, and interdependencies, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights.