This course provides a basic introduction to the principles, conceptual underpinnings, and creative design of curricula relevant to transformative education, specially GCED in both formal and non-formal contexts. The course will initially review a range of conceptual and theoretical perspectives on the role of education or schooling (formal, non-formal, informal) in society. These alternative sociological frameworks for understanding the societal role of education will provide different signposts and implications for curriculum development. Emphasis is placed on curriculum development approaches that promote conflict transformation, transformative learning, critical pedagogy, and education for a holistic culture of peace. Participants of the course will explore practical ideas for appropriate, effective, and creative teaching of GCED-related curricula for all levels of formal schooling, non-formal peace education programmes of government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations. The challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and the so-called 21st century skills in education (e.g., metacognition, critical thinking, global citizenship, life skills, etc.) also require a rethinking of the appropriate pedagogy for a digital age, particularly on collaborative online and blended learning, flipped learning, formative and summative assessments, among others. Finally, participants will integrate GCED concepts and values relevant to their own work, whether as an independent subject/course/workshop or integrated into an existing curriculum. While this course has been designed with a significant emphasis on the "educational" dimensions of GCED, the course will be equally useful to non-teachers and non- professional educators. The course will consist of four “classroom” weeks. The course will open with a lecture or PowerPoint presentation or video clips followed by Forum discussions. Participants are expected to check the course site at the beginning of every course week to be aware of the requirements for the week.

This course serves as a prerequisite for those seeking to engage in Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Through a series of lectures by renowned experts, interviews with scholars and practitioners, and case studies from diverse contexts, learners will develop foundational knowledge and skills essential for understanding and applying GCED and SEL principles. The course aims to explore core concepts, pedagogical approaches, and real-world applications of GCED and SEL at local, national, and global levels. It provides a platform for learners to critically reflect on educational challenges, equity, and inclusivity, fostering a deeper awareness of their roles as educators and global citizens. By the end of this course, learners will be able to: Understand the fundamental principles of GCED and SEL Recognize the importance of social-emotional competencies in fostering inclusive and just societies Prepare for advanced courses in GCED and SEL by building a strong conceptual and practical foundation This course is designed for educators, advocates, and aspiring change-makers who seek to integrate GCED and SEL into their teaching, leadership, or community initiatives. In particular, applicants for 11th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED should complete this prerequisite course before the Pre-Workshop.

Among individuals, groups, and institutions committed to building a peaceful world, there is a long-standing consensus that there can be “no peace without justice”. Hence, this course seeks to provide a critical understanding of the relationship between conflicts and social and economic justice at local and global levels as well as peacebuilding initiatives to transform such conflicts in both South and North contexts. Identifying structural violence or social and economic inequalities and injustices as one of the major root causes of glocal (global and local) conflicts, it also explores strategies whereby nations and their citizens can live together with justice and compassion to build a culture of peace through personal and social action. Drawing on case studies in diverse regions in the Global South and in part in the Global North, four specific themes or sectors will be critically examined, including paradigms of development and globalization, marginalized rural communities, women and Indigenous Peoples The impact of unjust social structures and relationships at international, national and local levels in catalyzing conflicts will be analyzed. Various exemplars of grassroots peacebuilding initiatives and movements to transform these conflicts towards realities that reflect the values and principles of social and economic justice will also be explored. The course also provides a forum for understanding the roles played by NGOs, other civil society organizations and social movements in the building of a just world community.   ※For any inquiries regarding taking the course, please contact GCED Online Campus administrators, gcedonline@unescoapceiu.org.

The unfortunate reality is that, as of 2024, no country has fully achieved gender equality. However, the good news is that you and I can work together to change this and make gender equality a reality.  This course will introduce you to feminist activist approaches to eliminating discrimination against women. While efforts to combat discrimination often begin at the local level, global mechanisms are in place to support governments in fulfilling their commitments to women. You will learn about key United Nations mechanisms, including: • CEDAW (The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women),  • Special Procedures, • The Universal Periodic Review, and • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A core focus of the course will be on Violence Against Women (VAW), which is both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality.  • Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, is a significant public health crisis and a grave violation of women’s human rights. • According to estimates from the WHO, approximately 1 in 3 women (30%) globally have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.  We will examine the various forms and types of VAW and explore two critical topics in greater depth: Women’s Reproductive Rights and Women in Media. *Please take a look at the following dates for the Zoom live sessions during the course:

What can be done when online hate speeches spread into the physical world? This closed course is designed for educators who want to teach about Media and Information Literacy. It will focus on the spreading of prejudice and stereotypes online and their consequences offline. The workshop will explain the role played by the Internet and the mechanisms of their diffusion on social networks (trends and patterns of online extremism). Using material found online, this course will allow the participants to experiment hands-on the functioning of Internet, define their own posture, and will give them the tools and recommendations to teach about it. In particular, students who want to apply for this course should complete the prerequisite course “Critical Media Literacy” in advance. Module No Title 1 The Challenges of Privacy Online 2 Consequences of Fake News and Conspiracy Theories 3 Online Discrimination and Hate Speech by Extremist Groups 4 The Role of Education  

This course begins with an overview of AI’s evolution, clarifying essential terms and distinctions. We delve into AI governance, examining global and local frameworks, policies, and the roles of various organizations.Focusing on ethics, we will address the moral principles guiding AI, strategies for embedding fairness, accountability, and transparency, and analyze case studies of ethical challenges, including human labor costs and environmental concerns. The course also provides guidance on responsible AI use in educational settings, emphasizing ethical decision-making, privacy, consent, and data protection.We tackle the issue of misinformation, exploring AI's role in generating and spreading false information, and teach strategies to identify and combat fake news and deepfakes. Additionally, the course examines the broader societal impacts of AI, including its effects on the economy, employment, and the digital divide.By the end of this course, learners will understand AI's applications, governance, and ethical considerations, and be equipped to make informed, ethical decisions in their professional and personal lives. Become a well-informed digital citizen ready to navigate and shape the future of AI technology.