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.

A global competence researcher and teacher at Harvard, Dr. Veronica Boix Mansilla has long been an active global citizen. Her 2011 groundbreaking research “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing our youth to engage the world” written with Tony Jackson of the Asia Society has helped ignite a worldwide conversation about global skills.

AFS Director of Strategic Alliances Hazar Yildirim reflects on why we all must support educators' efforts to globalize schools. One top priority: Enhance critical 21st century skills—from critical thinking to collaboration—with the ability to navigate all types of differences.

In 2019 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.