Global Ed Trends for 2025
As educators and schools in the southern hemisphere start to prepare for a new school year, a new year opens up before us filled with opportunities, expectations and challenges. Global Education, encompassing a range of frameworks, notably Global Citizenship Education and Global Competence, asks that our education systems ensure that every young person has the skills, knowledge and values to live and work in a globally connected, interdependent and interconnected world.
“Global competence in teachers is a set of essential knowledge, critical dispositions, and performances that help foster development of learners’ global competence. A globally competent teacher has knowledge of the world, critical global issues, their local impact, and the cultural backgrounds of learners; manifests intercultural sensitivity and acceptance of difference; incorporates this knowledge and sensitivity into classroom practice; and, develops the skills to foster these dispositions, knowledge, and performances in learners. The teacher models socially responsible action and creates opportunities for learners to ngage in socially responsible action.” © NAFSA: Association of International Educators, 2015, The Top Ten Characteristics of a Globally Competent Teacher
Navigating a VUCAD (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous and Disruptive) world is not a future need, it is the reality we live in now. Students are aware of the the uncertainty of our times; Climate Change, political polarization, a post-truth world, AI disruption and global geo-economic fragmentation play out in the news each night and the story fragments that students might see as they scroll videos and content via TikTok, Instagram, Twitch or Snapchat.
We are seeing a shift for many schools and educators towards developing skills, values and dispositions from exam preparation and it’s need for knowledge regurgitation, such as the Melbourne Metrics program. Here are some key Global Ed and universal ed areas of focus that will be important for those focused on preparing young people for the world they live in now and their collective futures.
As we navigate the evolving educational landscape, it's imperative to align classroom experiences with the dynamic demands of the future workforce. Insights from recent reports shed light on key areas that educators should focus on to prepare students effectively.
Technological Evolution and AI Integration
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements is reshaping industries and job markets. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that while 92 million jobs may be displaced by 2030 due to technological advancements, approximately 170 million new roles are anticipated, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.
This underscores the necessity for educational systems to adapt, ensuring students are proficient in digital literacy, data analysis, and AI applications. By embedding these competencies into curricula, we can equip learners to thrive in a technology-driven world.
As an AI fledgling, I am in no place to comment on AI’s integration and relevance in education (although Australian AI in Ed legends Mathew Esterman, Mathew Furze and z are worth a follow), although I can encourage educators to think about how any technology, including AI, can be used to design Global Citizenship Education and build Global Competence. Producing content for authentic purposes. Along with the tech skills, what are the tech values? empathy, respect, content production for authentic purposes/
Resources:
AI for Education’s Global Learning Prompts assist educators use AI chatbots (Chat GTP etc) to plan and design units of work for Global Citizenship, Global Competence, Social Justice, the Inner Development Goals and the UNs Good Life Goals.
Sustainability and Climate Change Education
The pressing challenges of sustainability and climate change demand a workforce adept in green technologies and sustainable practices. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 emphasizes the green transition as a significant driver of job creation, with roles in renewable energy, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture on the rise.
Educators play a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among students, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Resources:
Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusion
Creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity is essential for social cohesion and equity. Learning Creates Australia's The Whole Learner report advocates for an education system that transcends traditional metrics, emphasizing holistic development and the unique strengths of each student.
By embracing diverse cultural perspectives and promoting equitable practices, educators can nurture empathetic and socially responsible individuals.
Resources:
Intercultural Understanding
In our interconnected world, intercultural competence is invaluable. Understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds enhance collaboration and innovation. Educational institutions should integrate intercultural learning experiences, encouraging students to engage with global issues and diverse viewpoints. This approach not only broadens horizons but also prepares learners for the globalized nature of modern workplaces.
Resources:
Skills for the future - and now
Following the consistent general shift from knowledge to skills driven by technology and the demands of our VUCAD world, students will need a rage of technical and ‘soft-skills’. Key competencies include:
Analytical Thinking and Innovation: Ability to interpret data and develop creative solutions.
Active Learning and Learning Strategies: Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Complex Problem-Solving: Skill in addressing multifaceted challenges.
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Capacity to evaluate situations logically and make informed decisions.
Creativity, Originality, and Initiative: Talent for generating novel ideas and taking proactive steps.
Leadership and Social Influence: Ability to inspire and guide others effectively.
Technology Use, Monitoring, and Control: Proficiency in utilizing and overseeing technological tools.
Resilience, Stress Tolerance, and Flexibility: Adaptability in the face of change and adversity.
Resources and Frameworks:
Inner Development Goals
Compassionate Systems
Actionable steps for schools
With all of the following suggestions, consider how you can partner with students to co-design a unit of work or start an initiative led by students. Supporting Student Voice and Agency, students will have a much better idea of the themes that interest them and they see as relevant in their worlds.
Curriculum design/redesign, start with a unit at a time and look at how the unit can be redesigned to strengthen the identified themes or introduce them through an updated learning sequence or resource selection. Provide time for staff to look at other subject unit plans to identify cross planning opportunities.
Identify extra-curricular opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and disposition. Identify some key topics you feel are important and look to include these in your offerings.
Commit to relevant and future focussed PD for your educators. Allocate time for staff discussions on how some of these big topics are playing out for educators in their classrooms and how relevant they are seen as. Start a staff library with books purchases on important themes in education and identify service providers with a strong background working in schools in these topics.
Community connections - think about your community as a Human Library and identify local experts and opportunities for students to learn from and with.
By embedding these skills into educational frameworks, we can prepare students to excel in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
In conclusion, the future of education lies in its ability to adapt to technological advancements, address global challenges, and foster inclusive and culturally aware learning environments. By focusing on these areas, educators can equip students with the skills necessary to succeed and contribute positively to society.
