DEFINITIONS
global citizenship
What is global citizenship?
As a citizen of a country you have certain rights as well as certain responsibilities (albeit some people seem to forget the latter!). Global citizenship is exactly as the two words suggest … worldwide rights and responsibilities. All countries are inter-related in some way, whether by export and import, war history, immigrants, tourists, foreign policy, environmental impact, religious connections, cultural similarities … the list goes on. The idea of being a global citizen is that your identity transcends geography or political borders and that your rights and responsibilities are not just applicable to your country, but also to your membership of a broader class … that of humanity. This in no way means denouncing or waiving your nationality, but is an additional identity. This very much comes into play when discussing human rights and opposing state (the political term for country) laws or violations. This is where the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (proclaimed in 1948) comes into play. It states that there are certain rights that should be global, regardless of any other beliefs. It was established ‘as a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations … in recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family (being) the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world … ‘ (UDHR).
intercultural communication
What is intercultural communication?
It is verbal and non-verbal interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds. It requires an understanding of an array of rituals and traditions, polite ways to greet and depart and things you should do, as well as those you should not. Understanding that some cultures are formal and some informal. Realising that behavioural norms for good communication differ from country to country. Intercultural understanding allows for positive and productive communication between religions, social groups, different ethnicity and educational backgrounds. Essentially, it is a desire to understand how people from different countries and cultures act, communicate and perceive the world around them. Communication requires an interest and effort from both parties. With intercultural communication both parties should remember that there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’ … we are all humans sharing space on this globe. In saying that however, I believe it is as important to create an interconnectedness between cultures, as it is for cultures to maintain a sense of separateness in identity, which preserves and celebrates difference. The difference is the very reason we are fascinated by another culture, and also why It is vital to encourage education and interest around understanding and embracing difference, to ensure its survival in an ever increasing globally interconnected society.
human rights
What are human rights?
“Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. “ United Nations online resource.
Further information on human rights is clearly defined by the United Nations.
Who is the United Nations?
”History of the UN
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.
Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 193 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.
The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programmes) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and the advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.
The UN has 4 main purposes
To keep peace throughout the world;
To develop friendly relations among nations;
To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;
To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals” United Nations.