Doc. 8318

10 February 1999

Integration of issues of global interdependence and solidarity into formal school curricula and in out-of-school activities

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Jakič and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The integration of issues of global interdependence and solidarity into formal school curricula and in out-of-school activities through the Council of Europe and its North-South Centre has been the subject of previous Assembly recommendations.

2.       In this context the work undertaken by various intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations in related areas should be considered relevant and useful.

3.       The Assembly has an important role to play in promoting values of sustainable development, human rights including children’s rights, democratic citizenship, peace, tolerance and intercultural understanding, as well as the interconnection and indivisibility of these values which reflect the roots of the Council of Europe’s mandate and activities.

4.       New and synergetic approaches to these different dimensions of education for global citizenship and international understanding are becoming an urgent requirement for capacity building of children and young people in the current era of rapid globalisation.

5.       The acquisition and development of attitudes and skills to adjust to the challenges of a changing society in Europe and on a global scale will be required to achieve globalisation without poverty and social exclusion, as also identified in the framework of the Council of Europe’s current Campaign on this subject.

6.       The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

-       examine the institutional and legal framework for education in global citizenship in the member states;

-       examine current practices and developments underway regarding different, complementary dimensions of such education;

-       examine the possibilities for member states to contribute to the further implementation and co-ordination of global citizenship education in school curricula as a new dimension of learning and pedagogical practice through a cross-curricular and interdisciplinary approach;

-       make full use of the practical possibilities provided by activities in the framework of the North-South Centre and the current Council of Europe Campaign on global interdependence and solidarity.

Signed¹:

Jakič, Slovenia, LDR

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Hegyi, Hungary, SOC

Judd, United Kingdom, SOC

Kacin, Slovenia, LDR

Martínez, Spain, SOC

Pahor, Slovenia, SOC

Stepová, Czech Republic, SOC

Telgmaa, Estonia, EDG

Varela I Serra, Spain, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic and Reformers Group

LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group