Global Citizenship

What is Global Citizenship? Global citizenship applies the concept of citizenship to a global level, and is strongly connected with the concepts of globalization and cosmopolitanism Global citizenship entails a responsibility to reduce international inequality (both social and economic), to refrain from action which hinders individuals' well-being, and avoid contributing to environmental degradation.

What some famous people have said about responsible citizenship….

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. - Thomas Paine

All that is needed for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing All that is needed for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke

Non-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time- the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

What famous people have said about Human Rights and Racism…

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

A man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity. -Nelson Mandela

Fear is not the natural state of rational people. -Aung San Suu Kyi

Global Issues Arms Trade: Each year, around $45-60 billion worth of arms sales are agreed. Some two-thirds of sales are made to developing countries. The 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council (US, Russia, France, United Kingdom and China), together with Germany and Italy account for over 80% of the arms sold between 2001 and 2008.

Global Issues Nuclear Weapons Nuclear explosions produce both immediate and delayed destructive effects. Blast, thermal radiation, and prompt ionizing radiation cause significant destruction within seconds or minutes of a nuclear detonation. The delayed effects, such as radioactive fallout and other environmental effects, inflict damage over an extended period ranging from hours to years. Countries with Nuclear Weapons: 1. USA 2. Russia 3. UK 4. France 5. China 6. India 7. Israel (?) 8. Pakistan 9. North Korea

Global Issues Global Warming The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and there is now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening, and human-induced. With global warming on the increase and species and their habitats on the decrease, chances for ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing. Many are agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns.

Global Issues Racism Racism is a very touchy subject for some, as issues concerning free speech and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights come into play. Some people argue that it is just words. Others point out that these words can lead to some very dire and serious consequences (World War II being an example).

Global Issues Poverty and Starvation Meaningful long-term alleviation of hunger is rooted in the alleviation of poverty, as poverty leads to hunger. World hunger is a terrible symptom of world poverty. If efforts are only directed at providing food, or improving food production or distribution, then the structural root causes that create hunger, poverty and dependency would still remain.

Challenges for Global Citizens Nationalistic perspectives “I’m just one person” Where to start? MNC’s (Multi-National Corporations) Globalization $$$

Learn about our World Open your mind to the diverse cultures, languages, plants and animals across the globe. The more we know about the world around us the more enriched your mind will be. This will also help reduce the impact that general stereotypes have on our perceptions.

Global Citizenship