ANGEL Conference 2025: Research in Global Education and Learning – for Democracy, Peace, Human Rights, Sustainability and Global Social Justice
Input by Jens Kreuter
Engagement Global Executive Manager
The ANGEL Conference 2025 marked the fifth edition of the Academic Network on Global Education & Learning (ANGEL) international conferences, dedicated to advancing the discourse on Global Education and Learning. Hosted at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin from 4-6 June 2025, the conference started with the welcoming words from event partners, and initial reflections on the focus and themes of the conference.
As we come to the end of these three enriching days, it is my great honor to offer a few closing thoughts on behalf of Engagement Global. I would like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation in this conference. Your contributions, insights, and dedication have made this gathering a resounding success!
Over the course of these three days, you have engaged in a rich and multifaceted dialogue, addressing some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of global education and its vital connections to democracy, peace, human rights, sustainability, and global social justice.
Engagement Global is Germany’s central service agency for development policy engagement, supporting individuals, civil society organizations, municipalities, schools, businesses, and foundations through information, advice, funding, and networking opportunities to advance sustainable development and global justice. As a service agency, Engagement Global plays a key role in fostering collaboration between science, practice, and policy. Through a range of funding programmes and our national networks, we are firmly committed to leveraging our institutional and strategic capacities to advance the implementation and structural anchoring of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Learning. Promoting evidence-based policymaking is essential for generating long- term, systemic impact. To this end, we are actively fostering synergies across networks and among stakeholders, embracing adaptive change, and focusing Seite 6 von 9 on forward-looking solutions. Our efforts aim to strengthen engagement for sustainable development at all levels — from local initiatives to global collaborations.
This central theme has also been reflected during the conference: underlining the pivotal role of scientific research and higher education in advancing Global Education. In Germany, universities and research institutions serve as key drivers in this endeavor. Their responsibility extends beyond academic instruction to fostering sustainability through comprehensive institutional approaches, the establishment of Green Offices, and the integration of ESD and Global Learning into university-wide structures, including curricula, academic practice, and research. A Whole Institution Approach serves as a foundational element linking sustainability, internationalization, and forward-looking strategies. Excellent and adequately funded scientific institutions are absolutely essential for this.
Yet essential questions need to be constantly asked and answered: How can we more effectively translate these insights into concrete policies and practical implementation? How do we foster meaningful dialogue, build bridges, and engage with broader segments of society to ensure that the knowledge and innovations emerging from academic institutions extend beyond the confines of research and resonate within the public sphere? We’ve seen the importance of epistemic humanity- the need to decenter ourselves epistemically and to truly center Global Learning with perspectives and knowledge systems from the Global South.
Our conversations pointed to the need for an inclusive pluralistic approach to knowledge- amalgamation of global perspectives that challenges dominant paradigms and enriches collective understanding. Changing perspectives, sometimes learning how to look through the eye of a tiger, sharing stories and acknowledging the relevance of emotions were highlighted.
It is essential that we address the practicalities of how to bring knowledge to the public and ensure that sustainability is not only a concept discussed in academic halls but is also integrated into everyday teaching and practice. A global survey conducted by UNESCO and Education International in 2021 showed that while many teachers are motivated to teach ESD, a quarter of all teachers still do not feel ready to teach themes related to ESD and Global Citizenship Education (GCED). Teachers need more support from schools, training institutions, communities, education systems and governments at all levels, if they are to succeed in imbuing the next generations with the principles and behaviours that enable the building of more sustainable ways of life.
As we look to the future, the question of how to build on this work is of utmost importance. In our perspective, it is essential to engage young people, empowering them with the skills and know-how needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Global Education fosters a sense of global citizenship, critical thinking, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues. By equipping young people with the knowledge and values of sustainability, peace, and justice, we are preparing them to not only navigate but also shape the future in ways that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.
Working in partnerships has been one of the key recommendations emerging from the meaningful discussions. We also recognized that debates must be followed up by continuously bringing together research and practice, maintaining an ongoing dialogue to inform and shape policies based on evidence and vice versa. We have learned how the collaboration between research, policy, and practice can drive innovation in strengthening democracy, peace, and social justice.
These values must remain at the core of Global Education as we collectively strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While we have reached the halfway point in the SDG-timeline, emerging global societal and political developments present us with new and complex challenges. Migration and defense politics are currently shaping national and international discourse to a significant extent, accompanied by a noticeable rise in anti-democratic tendencies. This makes the achievement of the SDGs all the more important - as they are directly linked to addressing the root causes of displacement, promoting stability, and fostering inclusive and resilient societies.
Before I conclude, let me return to a powerful plea made yesterday:
“In times of crisis, there also lies the potential for transformation — and there is always reason to hope. Let us hold on to this as a guiding light to sustain and deepen our collaboration and solidarity.”
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Global Education Network Europe (GENE), the Academic Network on Global Education and Learning (ANGEL), University Bamberg, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, the Humboldt Forum, and a special thanks to my own colleagues from Engagement Global! All of you made this event possible and did a great job.
I hope you had a good time in Berlin with us and for those of you staying a bit longer, you might want to take the chance to experience the Carnival of Cultures this weekend in Berlin. It’s a vibrant celebration of diversity and unity—values that align perfectly with the discussions we’ve had over the past few days. Enjoy the festivities, and let’s continue to be inspired by the spirit of collaboration as we move forward. Thank you.
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