Message from the GCC Philippines Director

It is with great pride and purpose that we welcome you to the 3rd GCC International Research Conference on Global Citizenship Education (IRCON GCED 2026), to be held on July 29–31, 2026 at Palawan State University.

Anchored on the theme, “Academe as a Global Actor for Peace and Global Citizenship Education: Transformative Pathways for International Understanding through Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education,” this year’s conference serves as a critical platform for reimagining the role of higher education institutions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

At a time when global challenges such as climate change, social inequity, and cultural divisions continue to intensify, the academe is called to move beyond conventional metrics of excellence and embrace its responsibility as a transformative force. IRCON GCED 2026 responds to this call by advancing meaningful discourse on how institutions can integrate the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) across governance, curriculum, research, and community engagement.

This conference brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the Philippines and the global community to exchange knowledge, share innovative practices, and critically examine key issues such as institutional transformation, decolonization of education, climate action, peacebuilding, and social justice. Through these engagements, we aim to foster collaborative pathways that strengthen the role of education in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies.

Moreover, IRCON GCED 2026 underscores the importance of contextualized and culturally responsive approaches to global citizenship. By creating space for diverse perspectives and knowledge systems, we affirm our commitment to moving beyond dominant paradigms and towards more equitable and inclusive educational practices.