UNESCO’s youth workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) concluded in Lahore. Youth4GCED Regional Workshop, organized by The Little Art, UNESCO APCEIU, and the GCED Youth Network. Held from October 31 to November 2 in Lahore, the workshop brought together over 28 young leaders from seven South Asian countries to explore the transformative power of Global Citizenship Education (GCED), cultural exchange, and social justice.
On the last day, Umair Mushtaq lead organizer of the workshop, led an interactive arts-based activity, helping participants deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship Education through creative expression. Speaking on the significance of this initiative, Umair shared, “Cultural exchange, education, and global citizenship are more important now than ever. They allow young people to connect beyond borders, understand diverse perspectives, and find common ground in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. This workshop aims to inspire youth to become agents of change by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead impactful projects in their communities.”
Another session by Muhammad Zahid from The Infinite Solution focused on “Leveraging Technology for Social Impact (AI and Tools for Youth Empowerment),” emphasizing the role of technology in bridging the gap between theory and practice and equipping youth to make positive impacts in their daily lives.
A highlight of the workshop was the collaborative development of a Global Citizenship Education Youth Declaration for the region. In this document, the young leaders are addressing key challenges and advocating for the full integration of Global Citizenship Education in both formal and non-formal educational settings across South Asia. The declaration reflects their aspirations for solidarity, with calls to action for policymakers, educators, civil society, and the private sector to support these goals. Expressing their own commitment to promoting Global Citizenship Education, the declaration also serves as an advocacy tool that will be presented at regional summits and conferences to amplify their voices and garner support for youth-led initiatives.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates were presented to all participants in recognition of their commitment and contributions. As these youth leaders return to their communities, they carry with them a shared mission to foster positive change across South Asia and inspire others to join their efforts as champions of global citizenship and social justice.
