Global citizen:  a person who works to make the world a better place for all.

This definition implies all the characteristics of a good citizen - Someone with a strong sense of self but is also caring, has empathy and compassion for others, respects diversity and difference, believes that individuals and groups can act positively to make a difference, is committed to equity and justice for all and believes in the importance of environmental sustainability.

Viewpoint

Defining Global Citizenship is an academic and practical work in progress. Definitions can be simple and holistic or technical and complex. At this point in the evolution of humanity, I don’t think we are ready to embrace the technical definitions that imply legal rights and nationhood.  I feel that the holistic definitions need to become a more familiar part of global dialogue before rights and obligations can be assigned to global citizens.  A clearer picture will eventually emerge as the understanding of global citizenship, with its underlying global education values, grows but for now this simple definition is a good starting point.

Valuable reference:

www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au