United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Global Citizenship Schools Program
The aim of the UNAA Qld Global Citizenship Schools Program is to engage and inspire primary and secondary students across Queensland to become active Global Citizens. The United Nations Association of Australia is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to informing the community about the work of the United Nations and seeking to advance the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development in Australia and around the world.
Global Citizenship Schools Program Objectives
1.Engage and inspire students to become active Global Citizens
2.Empower students to be effective leaders
3.Support students to plan two UN Global Goals school initiatives
4.Target Principle 14a of the Earth Charter: Provide all, especially children and youth, with educational opportunities that empower them to contribute actively to sustainable development.
5.Build connections between schools and Local Members
Led by our student council, CSS is committed to recognising and commemorating the work of the UN, its Earth Charter and Global Goals. Student leaders have attended two UNAA Global Citizenship summits held at Parliament since 2016, at which significant whole school and community events have been planned:
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is a legal status granted by birth or naturalisation to citizens involving certain rights (for example, protection, passport, voting) and responsibilities (for example, obey the law, vote, defend country). It includes three components:
•civil (rights and responsibilities),
•political (participation and representation), and
•social (social virtues and community involvement).
What is a "global citizen"?
A Global Citizen is a person who understands their rights and responsibilities at a global level; that is, one’s identity transcends geography or political borders, and rights and responsibilities are derived from being human.
The UN and its agency UNESCO believe global citizenship education is as important to the future of our world as literacy and numeracy. Global citizens are:
•Informed and critically literate
•Socially connected & respectful of diversity
•Ethically responsible and engaged
What are the leadership values of global citizens?
•Recognise the interconnectedness of all life and of Earth’s systems
•Embrace difference and diversity
•Show empathy and are inclusive of others
•Speak and act in a peaceful manner
•Are critical and creative thinkers
•Promote values of fairness, social justice, democratic decision making
•Protect the environment
•Contribute to and participate in local, national and global communities
•Negotiate to build consensus & solutions
•Value the wisdom and ideas of others
•Empower others
Role of the UN
The UN was formed in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. It aimed to prevent the scourge of war, to provide a forum in which nations could negotiate differences rather than resort to violent conflict. For the first time in human history respect for our shared humanity was seen to be the foundation for lasting peace. This idea led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Australians played a leading role in negotiating the rules (the UN Charter). They led the smaller nations in resisting domination by the most powerful nations. In recognition of this role, Herbert Evatt, (Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time) was elected the first President of the UN General Assembly. Evatt argued successfully that lasting peace would be based on economic prosperity and respect for human rights in all nations.