The Global Education Network (GEN) Annual Meeting 2025 brought together 42 representatives of civil society organisations and public authorities from 33 countries in Zagreb, Croatia, on 10 and 11 April. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Network, this edition saw one of the highest levels of participation and geographical diversity to date.

The event was organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in the framework of the EU-CoE Joint Programme iLEGEND III - Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue (2023-2026), in cooperation with the Centre for Peace Studies and Solidar.

The meeting reinforced the role of the GEN as a platform for peer learning, policy dialogue and strategic cooperation in Global Education. National coordinators of the GEN shared good practices and worked together to define common priorities for advancing Global Education at national and regional levels.

Global Education is a learning process that equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to understand and address global challenges. It encourages critical thinking, fosters awareness of global interdependence, and empowers people to take action for human rights, sustainable development, peace and social justice.

Rooted in human rights education, education for democratic citizenship, intercultural learning, and education for sustainable development, Global Education reflects the Council of Europe’s core values and standards.

Through the work of the Global Education Network, these principles are translated into concrete practices and national strategies. The Network supports the implementation of the Council of Europe’s education standards and contributes to building inclusive, democratic and resilient societies by promoting active global citizenship.

Based on consultations with national coordinators and in line with identified priorities, the programme of the Annual meeting combined thematic inputs with practical workshops to encourage co-creation of solutions and exchange of practical tools.

Participants benefited from interactive sessions facilitated by international experts:

• Alexandra Matthys, Education and Lifelong Learning Policy Officer at Solidar, led a session on global education advocacy strategies and fundraising opportunities, providing tools and insights to increase policy impact and ensure sustainability of initiatives;
• Janice Richardson, researcher, author and advisor to the Council of Europe, explored digital citizenship in a global context, highlighting the role of digital skills, critical thinking, and civic engagement in fostering an inclusive and interconnected society;
• Nondumiso Hlophe, social advocacy specialist, provided perspectives on education and advocacy for equity, inclusion and global solidarity;
• Sébastien Snoeck, Strategist for Sustainable Change and Campaign Designer, delivered a workshop on effective approaches to campaign development and communication strategies, including methods for engaging specific target audiences.

The final session on target groups included a presentation on a youth-led advocacy campaign by the Croatian Youth Forum, which provided a concrete example of the impact of a campaign at the local level. A final 'Building Bridges' session allowed participants to present their current projects and identify opportunities for synergy and future collaboration between GEN members.

The meeting also served as a space to review the outcomes of the 2024 Global Education Week and to jointly define the theme for the 2025 edition.

The outcomes of the annual meeting will contribute to the strategic objectives of the North-South Centre and to the implementation of global education policies and practices in Europe and beyond. The event reaffirmed GEN's commitment to strengthening national capacities, fostering partnerships and promoting the values of human rights, democracy and global solidarity through education.

  Plus d'information:

 Concept note

 Programme

 Participating organisations