Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education (Minister Choi Kyo-jin), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding* (APCEIU, Director Lim Hyun-mook), is hosting the “2026 Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED” from June 8 (Mon) to June 12 (Fri).

* An international organization established by the Republic of Korea and UNESCO to promote the expansion of global citizenship education among member states.

This workshop will be attended by approximately 40 youth leaders from 30 countries, selected after a rigorous evaluation of 2,181 applicants from 117 countries worldwide. This year, the curriculum is structured as a practical, action-oriented program designed to empower youth leaders* to drive peace and social change through media and art, with participants actively engaging in role-playing activities that address social conflicts and explore potential solutions.

Furthermore, the participants will share youth-led initiatives for responding to hate speech and misinformation spreading within their respective local communities, and will analyze public interest campaign materials utilizing photography and media to develop actionable plans for implementation in their home countries.

* Activists practicing values related to Global Citizenship Education in international organizations, non-profit (youth) organizations, and universities (graduate schools)

Notably, the Ministry of Education and APCEIU will operate a follow-up management program for outstanding participants even after the event concludes, providing expert consultation and support for community-based action projects. Through this, they plan to ensure that the achievements of the event are effectively disseminated to the field in each participant’s home country.

This workshop is a flagship official development assistance (ODA) project in the field of education jointly promoted by the Ministry of Education and APCEIU, aimed at strengthening the capabilities of youth ? the leaders of the future ? as global citizens capable of addressing global issues. Since its inception in 2015, the program has fostered over 500 youth leaders from 114 countries and has continuously built a network among participants.

Global Citizenship Education, or GCED, is an educational approach aimed at fostering citizens who understand and practice universal human values such as global peace and cultural diversity; it is currently a key educational agenda spearheaded by Korea within UNESCO.