ECER-EERA – European Educational Research Association Conference, 27-30 August 2024, Nicosia, Cyprus

It was a delight to organize and chair the first panel session held at a major education conference centered on the philosophy of the Soka progenitor Daisaku Ikeda, and his influence on curriculum development and sustainability practices within selected higher education institutions worldwide.

In this session scholars explored the theory and practice of global citizenship education, with a special focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for sustainability. The objective of the session was to introduce new paradigms, perspectives and practices in higher education in the field of global citizenship education.

The presentations purposefully addressed educational institutions and curriculum development from across different countries which share a common ethical perspective. Soka or value-creating education is an approach to curriculum developed in twentieth century Japan.

The panel explored key terms and definitions being used by faculty in classrooms in relation to teaching for global citizenship and sustainability at Soka institutions and Soka-informed curriculum, including terms such as happiness, peace, sustainability, hope, and service.

Article published on the front page of the Japanese newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Namrata Sharma, Faculty, Consultant, UN Expert

Dr. Namrata Sharma is on the faculty at the State University of New York, USA, and an expert with the United Nations Harmony with Nature Knowledge Network (UN HwN). She is an international education consultant and has served on the Boards of several professional organizations in India, USA, and Europe. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University, SRCC, India; a master’s degree in education from Soka University, Tokyo, Japan; and a Ph.D. from the University College London – Institute of Education (IOE), UK. She worked as faculty at the University of Nottingham in the UK before her move to the US. She has authored several books, research papers, and articles. Dr. Sharma has specialist interests in Global Citizenship Education, Sustainability Education, International and Comparative Education. In her ongoing research work she is engaged in drawing meaningful linkages between teaching the UNESCO-led initiatives of Global Citizenship Education and Sustainability.

Leave a comment