The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organization devoted to building a better world. The OECD works on solutions to a wide range of social, economic and environmental challenges.

https://www.oecd.org/

As an advocate for character education in school systems globally, I was fortunate to attend the fifth workshop (online) of the OECD Learning Compass 2030 series. The Learning Compass is a framework for the future of education, one aspect of which is the development of “attitudes and values” of students. This includes character education and social-emotional learning.

A video of the workshop is available at the link below. It is an hour long. If you are unable to listen to it in its entirety, I recommend the following sections (minute start and end times noted):

(1) Tony Devine, Vice President, Education, Global Peace Foundation, moderator, 3:00 – 13:00 (ten minutes).

(2) Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, 42:00 – 52:00 (ten minutes).

If you are unaware of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, an explanation is offered at 30:00 – 42:00.

(I chimed in towards the end of the workshop to comment on the two breakout sessions. 52:00 – 54:00.)

https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/teaching-and-learning/learning/learning-compass-2030/ (Fifth workshop – 21 July 2021)

 I believe the future of the planet depends on character education worldwide. Greater cooperation among nations will be required to solve global problems. The OECD framework is one step on the road to a better world. However, we do need to quicken the pace so the next few generations will be prepared to handle the challenges in an enlightened way.

The OECD asked students from around the world to describe the future they want. The comments by Jenna from Australia on mental health are inspiring – bottom of the linked page, under the heading “Health”:

https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/teaching-and-learning/learning/well-being/

International Youth Day, the Global LEAD #WatchOurImpact Dialogue

On a separate subject indirectly related to character education, I attended an online event sponsored by USAID entitled “Global Lead #WatchOurImpact Dialogue.” It was held on August 12, 2021. August 12 is designated International Youth Day by the United Nations. I was drawn to the event by this statement:

“On International Youth Day, the Global LEAD #WatchOurImpact Dialogue will celebrate USAID’s commitment to engage one million young changemakers over the next four years under the Global LEAD Initiative.”

The event is inspiring. This is the link to the recording. It is 51 minutes. (There were two breakout sessions that were not recorded.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65xkfjs-RLc

If you are unable to listen to it in full, I would recommend at least these excerpts:

17:00 – 23:30  Comments by Samantha Power, head of USAID

41:00 – 48:00  “Hope is fuel.”

For more information on this program, visit: https://www.youthlead.org/.

These types of programs inspire hope for the future.