From polarisation to multiculturalism. From reflections on topics such as the promotion of diversity to workshops on writing school projects aimed at strengthening active participation through global education, to cultural events and visits to Bratislava to gain a deeper understanding of discrimination. But above all: Global education as a tool to stimulate critical thinking among young people about the world, including their active role within it, in an interconnection between the local and global dimensions.
These are, in summary, the topics addressed during the international seminar Erasmus+ as a path to global citizenship education, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 17 to 19 September 2025
A three-day event organised by the National Agency SAAIC-Slovak Academic Association for International Cooperation as part of the long-term PEACE+ programme, focusing on civic engagement and EU values and coordinated by the National Agency INDIRE. The Slovak event was attended by 60 participants (mostly teachers, but also staff from national agencies) from over 20 countries, from the VET-Vocational Education and Training and School sectors.
The opening of the international contact seminar (created with the aim of bringing together experts and best practices and promoting effective writing of Erasmus+ KA1 projects) was entrusted to Jozef Detko, director of SAAIC, followed by a speech by Andrej Bartík, participation officer at the same agency, on the topic of participation in the Erasmus+ programme and a presentation of the PEACE+ project itself, which will run until 2027, building on the objectives achieved in the previous phase called PEACE (2022-2025) and those set for the coming years.
Among the speeches given the following day was one by Zuzana Labašová, psychologist and trainer in the field of critical thinking and global education, who emphasised Global education, also highlighting the difficulties in establishing this type of educational path. Another speech was given by Ditta Trindade Dolejšiová, Head of Support and Innovation at GENE–Global Education Network Europe.
This was followed by a presentation on polarisation by Lukáš Zorád, director of PDCS, a non-governmental organisation that provides professional training and facilitation services, consulting and assistance in the field of conflict resolution, support for social dialogue, civic participation and civil society development in Slovakia and abroad.
In the afternoon, participants watched the screening and then took part in a discussion about the film O BARIPEN – Pride at the Film Europe Cinema. The biographical documentary tells the story of Roma writer Elena Lacková in an intimate and personal way, addressing issues such as gender equality and life in a marginalised social group. See HERE for the topics for reflection proposed to participants after watching the film and HERE for the film’s educational sheet.
The final morning of the event featured two group workshops: Stories That Move by the Milan Šimečka Foundation, focusing on those who suffer discrimination, and an interactive workshop by Gamifactory (Impact Games), based on the Romoji game via smartphone App.
By Matteo Minà, journalist, Agenzia nazionale Erasmus+ INDIRE