Global Education & Hope — Now More Than Ever

In 2025, GENE worked with ministries, agencies and partners across Europe to strengthen the policy foundations of Global Education.

Here you will find key highlights of GENE’s work during the year, as well as the detailed 2025 GENE Annual Report.

2025 at a Glance

  • 40+ Ministries and agencies engaged

  • 23 Countries involved in Roundtables

  • 3 Peer Review processes ongoing

  • 260+ Researchers and Policymakers at Berlin Conference

  • 26 EU Member States engaged via CODEV

Strengthening National Systems

Supporting governments to develop policy, funding and coordination structures aligned with the Dublin Declaration remained GENE’s core focus in 2025.

  • Portugal adopted its third National Strategy on Development Education

  • Germany finalised a new Curriculum Framework on Global Perspectives

  • Ireland and Germany progressed through the Peer Review process; Latvia completed

  • Slovakia integrated Global Education into its national learning portal

Convening European Policymakers for More and Better Global Education

In 2025, Roundtables and bilateral exchanges strengthened policy alignment, deepened cooperation, and reinforced Global Education as a response to democratic, societal, and global challenges.

RT52 | Bratislava — Hope in Challenging Times

Explored how Global Education strengthens democratic resilience, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and youth leaders. The Roundtable also launched the Latvian Peer Review and showcased youth-led initiatives on climate, inclusion, and civic engagement.

RT53 | Virtual

Gathered over 60 participants from ministries and agencies, focusing on Global Education’s role in peace, sustainability, and international cooperation. Ukraine joined as an observer, widening European dialogue.

Bilateral exchange: Czechia–Sweden

A bilateral initiative enabling peer learning on curriculum and teacher education, highlighting the value of focused, practice-oriented cooperation.

Research as Policy Infrastructure

Strengthening the evidence base for Global Education policy remained a priority.

  • Berlin Conference 2025 connected research and policymaking

  • “Leave No One Behind” research advanced inclusive approaches

  • New policy briefs are being developed to support ministries

Shaping the European Policy Environment

In 2025, GENE contributed to reinforcing the recognition of Global Education within European and multilateral policy processes.

  • Presentation to the EU Council Working Party on Development Cooperation

  • Strategic dialogue with the OECD Development Assistance Committee

  • Engagement in broader European education for sustainability (UNECE) and democracy (DG EAC) processes

Partnerships and New Publics

Collaboration with civil society platforms, youth actors and global partners strengthened the reach and relevance of Global Education.

  • Strengthened cooperation with European education and civil society networks

  • Continued promotion of the GENE Youth Award

  • Regional dialogue through Global Critical Friends

Looking Ahead

Discussions are underway regarding GENE’s 25th anniversary.

Preparations are also advancing towards the Dublin +5 process in 2027.

In a changing geopolitical context, building hope together through multilateral policy learning to strengthen Global Education remains essential for democracy and for global solidarity.

GENE 2025 IN MORE DETAIL

GENE Expertise Areas


Networking

Networking members and giving them a platform for sharing their strategies.

Peer Review

Engaging in peer learning, including facilitation of the European Global Education Peer Review Process.

Support to Ministries

Supporting member policymakers through advice, training/capacity building, briefing and policy support.

Policy Research

Engaging in policy research, supporting common projects, emphasising a focus on quality.

Need to get in touch?

Write to: secretarit@gene.eu

This website was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union and the Ministries and Agencies that support GENE. Its contents are the sole responsibility of GENE and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.