Democracy in the Post-Truth Crisis: The Role of GCED
Democracy flourishes when diverse perspectives converge through dialogue, fostering common ground and collective solutions. Digital technologies, especially social media, expand the public sphere by enabling rapid exchange of diverse perspectives but do not necessarily strengthen democratic culture. Algorithms reinforce confirmation bias and polarization, weakening social cohesion and trust—trends evident in recent political developments worldwide (UNESCO, 2024a). Also, the spread of disinformation and misinformation reflects a broader crisis of truth and facts, characteristic of the post-truth era, where emotional appeals and personal beliefs often overshadow objective reality. This growing challenge—alongside global issues such as climate change and economic inequality—not only signals the fragility of democracy but also underscores the urgent need for civic engagement and the reinforcement of the rule of law.
While education alone cannot bring about systemic change in an economy driven by digital technologies and consumer capitalism, it can strengthen the rule of law and foster civic engagement and trust (UNESCO & United Nations, 2019). By equipping learners with key competencies and skills to critically evaluate information and engage respectfully with others, education contributes to the advancement of justice and human rights in everyday life (European Commission, 2018). With its focus on the interdependence and interconnectedness of people ‘here’ and ‘there’, global citizenship education (GCED) enhances the transformative role of education by empowering individuals to shape democratic dialogue and drive meaningful change—both locally and globally—as ethically responsible and engaged citizens (UNESCO, 2024b).
Under the overarching theme “Democracy in the Post-Truth Crisis: The Role of GCED,” the 10th International Conference on GCED (10th IConGCED) will invite scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how various challenges we are facing today, including threats to democracy, can be addressed through the transformative power of education. In particular, we will discuss the roles and contributions of GCED in tackling these challenges, the sharing of best practices, and the ways of promoting solidarity and peace in the context of political and socio-economic polarization. Marking the 10th IConGCED, this platform will reflect on past achievements, share ongoing initiatives, and explore collaborative ways toward a more socially just, peaceful and sustainable world.