In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month, a Seminar-Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held on October 18, 2023. This unique event, accessible through Zoom and in-person participation, represented a significant step toward advancing the development and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples. The program, conducted in partnership with UNESCO-APCEIU, featured international champions of GCED and SDGs, highlighting the global importance of this initiative.

The Associate Dean of FGSTERIPED, Dr. Roldan S. Cardona, opened the event with a warm and inspiring welcome, setting the stage for a day imbued with inspiration and purpose. His opening remarks underscored the seminar’s role in addressing the educational and developmental disparities within Indigenous communities.

Ms. Jihong Lee, Head of Education and Training at APCEIU in South Korea, conveyed the international significance of GCED and SDGs. Her message highlighted the seminar’s contribution to the global pursuit of equitable and sustainable development. Dr. Jandy S. Danzalan, Director of the Center for Indigenous Education, elaborated on the seminar’s purpose, emphasizing the importance of adopting a GCED and SDGs-based approach to tackle the distinctive challenges Indigenous communities face.

The core of the seminar showcased distinguished speakers who shared their expertise. Prof. Carl O. Dellomos, Deputy Director of GCED Philippines, discussed the adaptation of global citizenship education to address the unique challenges of Indigenous Peoples in the local context. Dr. Rowena R. Hibanada, Director of CPEO, PNU Manila, emphasized the alignment of GCED with community outreach and the SDGs for community development, highlighting the transformative potential of educational programs. Dr. Munir Moosa Sadruddin, an Assistant Professor of Education at Sidh Madressatul Islam University, introduced global citizenship for higher education through global pedagogy, illuminating its role in higher learning institutions. Ms. Shubhangi Arya, a German Language Teacher and Curriculum Developer at Kunskapsskola India, underscored the significance of language and cultural diversity in GCED, promoting inclusive and diverse educational environments.

The first day of the seminar concluded with a sense of excitement and inspiration. The knowledge and expertise shared by the distinguished speakers illuminated the path towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Indigenous Peoples. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how GCED and SDGs can empower communities and drive positive change.