Who would have thought two simple words—global citizen—would cause such an emotional debate around the world. Perhaps one reason, says global trendcaster Josh Bershin of Deloitte consulting firm: “While the idea of being a “global citizen” is attractive, it turns out that citizenship is a very local thing.” I agree.

AFS knows that global competence is a must—but we have to work even harder to ensure that others also appreciate why young people need these essential skills. Global competence holds the power for the future.

Regina Honu is the founder and CEO of Soronko Solutions, a software development company, as well as the Soronko Academy, Tech Needs Girls and many other initiatives. In 2018, she became the first winner of the AFS Global Citizen of the Year Award.

What will it take to empower more active global citizens determined to make their impact on the world? This year, the AFS Global Conference will tackle the tough challenges, opportunities and resources required to bring global competence education into the classrooms, youth leadership and study abroad programs.

AFS convenes more than 450 leading educators, researchers, business leaders and policymakers to push for more global competence education at a time when “globalism” is under attack, and nationalism is on the rise.

Interview with Dr. Anthony Jackson of Asia Society who addressed hundreds of leaders from different sectors who gathered at the 2018 AFS Global Conference under the topic “Global Competence: Our Future, Our Responsibility” in Budapest this September.