Lesson 16 - Global Citizenship | The Contemporary World Lecture Series | What is Global Citizenship?

Summary

This lesson on global citizenship explores the importance of being actively engaged in making a positive impact on the world. It introduces inspiring leaders like George Harrison, Annie Lennox, and Amina Mohammed, whose efforts address issues such as poverty, education, and climate change. The concept of global citizenship goes beyond awareness; it involves taking responsibility for one’s actions and contributing to local and global communities. The message emphasizes that anyone, regardless of age, can be a global citizen by participating in actions that promote a more equitable and sustainable world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Global Citizenship involves understanding your role in a larger world and respecting diversity.
• 😀 Food security is a critical issue impacted by factors like climate change, poverty, and rising food prices.
• 😀 Strategies such as land use patterns, food trade, and post-harvest processing are essential to address food security.
• 😀 The Global Citizen Prize honors individuals and activists who contribute to achieving the United Nations' 17 global goals and ending extreme poverty by 2030.
• 😀 George Harrison was the first recipient of the Global Citizen Prize in 2016 for his humanitarian work, including organizing the Concert for Bangladesh.
• 😀 Annie Lennox was awarded the Global Citizen Prize for her advocacy for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and her efforts in gender equality through The Circle.
• 😀 Erna Solberg, Norway’s Prime Minister, received recognition for her work in women's empowerment and global education through policy changes and the creation of financing facilities.
• 😀 Wawira Giroud received the Cisco Youth Leadership Award for founding Food for Education, providing subsidized nutritious meals to schoolchildren in Kenya.
• 😀 Richard Curtis, a filmmaker and activist, was awarded Global Citizen of the Year for his long-term efforts to combat poverty through campaigns like Comic Relief and Red Nose Day.
• 😀 Sting received the Global Citizen Artist of the Year award for his advocacy on climate change, deforestation, and for co-founding the Rainforest Foundation to protect rainforests.
• 😀 Priya Prakash, awarded the Cisco Youth Leadership Award in 2019, aims to improve the health of 1 million students in India through her organization, HealthSetGo, which provides healthcare and health education.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lesson discussed in the transcript?

The primary focus of the lesson is global citizenship, where students are expected to understand the concept of global citizenship and appreciate the ethical obligations of being a global citizen.

What did the previous lesson focus on before the current topic of global citizenship?

The previous lesson focused on food security, discussing its meaning, challenges posed by climate change, growing populations, rising food prices, environmental stressors, and poverty, and strategies to address these issues.

How does globalcitizen.org define global citizens, and what is their mission?

Globalcitizen.org defines global citizens as individuals who work towards a fair, just, and equal world by taking action to end extreme poverty by 2030, through campaigns that support the United Nations' 17 global goals.

Who was the first recipient of the George Harrison Global Citizen Award, and why was he honored?

The first recipient of the George Harrison Global Citizen Award was George Harrison, the famous Beatle, who was honored for his activism, particularly for organizing the first-ever multi-artist benefit concert, the Concert for Bangladesh, which raised funds for the country facing a humanitarian crisis.

What is the main goal of Annie Lennox's organization, The Circle?

The Circle, founded by Annie Lennox, aims to empower marginalized women and girls globally, advocating for gender equality and fighting against gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality.

What is Erna Solberg known for in terms of global citizenship and leadership?

Erna Solberg, the Prime Minister of Norway, was awarded for her commitment to women's rights and education, as well as for her efforts to create policies that improve the lives of people facing poverty and inequality.

What is the Cisco Youth Leadership Award, and who was the first recipient?

The Cisco Youth Leadership Award is given to young individuals (ages 18-30) who are making a significant impact in the fight against extreme poverty. The first recipient was Wawira Giroud, recognized for her organization, Food for Education, which provides subsidized, nutritious meals to school children in Kenya.

What is the significance of Richard Curtis in the global citizenship movement?

Richard Curtis is known for his involvement in campaigns like Comic Relief, Red Nose Day, and Project Everyone, which have raised over 1.5 billion dollars for vulnerable people and communities, making him a key figure in global activism against poverty.

How has Sting contributed to the global citizenship movement?

Sting, through his career and his co-founding of the Rainforest Foundation, has raised awareness about climate change and deforestation, protecting over 33 million acres of rainforest and using his platform to advocate for environmental issues.

What does it mean to be a global citizen according to the lesson?

Being a global citizen means being aware of the wider world, respecting diversity, understanding how the world works, and taking active responsibility to improve the world, both locally and globally, by addressing social injustices and promoting sustainability.