Screenshot 2026-08-23 at 6.51.07 PM

Welcome to the 2026 AFS Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Connect, a high-impact blended learning journey bringing together Filipino educators, school leaders, and education advocates to advance inclusive and active global citizenship.

The program connects international global competence frameworks with local classroom realities, Filipino teaching traditions, and community experiences through the Global Up Educators cohort, GCED Impact Forum, and a joint convergence with international delegates from the Regional AFS Youth Assembly at the Global Citizen Summit.

Together, participants move beyond traditional instruction to translate global competence into everyday classroom practice and concrete national policy recommendations, grounded in Philippine realities.

Event Primer

Why join the AFS GCED Connect?

Today’s classrooms are more than spaces for academic instruction—they are where culture, identity, belief, and civic challenges meet every day. As the mentors of future changemakers, educators are called to be facilitators of inclusive and active global citizenship through: dialogue, critical thinking, and peacebuilding.

By joining AFS GCED Connect, you will:

Receive the official AFS Global Competence Certificate.

Program Highlights & Roadmap

  1. PHASE 1 Global Up Educators Self-Paced Online Learning

  2. PHASE 2 Global Up Educators Virtual Facilitated Dialogue Session

  3. PHASE 3 In-Person GCED Impact Forum

  4. PHASE 4 Global Citizen Summit

  • Timeline: August 25 – November 12, 2026 (Virtual)
  • Overview: Complete 20 asynchronous online modules (10–15 hours total) on an interactive platform featuring videos, quizzes, and reflective prompts to build foundational global competence skills at your own pace.
  • Timeline: November 14, 2026 (Virtual)
  • Overview: A half-day interactive online workshop led by Global Up Qualified Facilitators to synthesize module learnings, engage in peer reflection, and bridge theoretical concepts to real-world learning contexts.
  • Timeline: November 20, 2026 (The Forum, LPU – Cavite)
  • Overview: A full-day action forum structured into four progressive blocks, covering peacebuilding frameworks, cross-sector dialogue, GCED classroom activities, and policy development through the Changemaker Studio and Action Lab, concluding with a Peace Oath and certificate awarding.

  • Timeline: November 21, 2026 (University Auditorium, LPU – Cavite)
  • Overview: A half-day convergence bringing together GCED Connect participants and international youth delegates from the Regional AFS Youth Assembly. This summit creates a collaborative space for young changemakers, educators, and diverse stakeholders to engage in cross-sector dialogue, pitch projects, and make actionable commitments toward better, more sustainable societies.

Who Can Join?

The 2026 AFS Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Connect welcomes educators, school leaders, and education advocates who are interested in strengthening their practice through global citizenship education. To participate, applicants must be 18 years old or older and currently based in the Philippines. The program is open to:

Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary across any subject

Requirements

  • Commitment to finish all 4 phases (Online Modules, Virtual FDS, GCED Impact Forum, and Global Citizen Summit).
  • Access to a computer/tablet and reliable internet for virtual components.
  • A drive to apply GCED implementation strategies and tools in your school or community!
Event Primer

Fees & Registration

Registration includes event access, learning materials, official certificates, morning and afternoon snacks, and lunch. Special registration rates are also available for AFS Partner Schools.
Non- AFS Partner School Rates:
Early Bird Rate (Until Sept. 18, 2026) : USD 185
Registration Fee: USD 200
AFS Partner School Special Rates:
Early Bird Rate (Until Sept. 18, 2026): USD 165
Registration Fee: USD 180
Check if your school is an AFS Partner School here.
Screenshot 2026-08-24 at 2.05.05 PM

Ready to join 2026 GCED Connect?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process and get started.

Step 1: Submit Pre-Application Form. Visit this link and fill out the official 2026 AFS GCED Connect Pre-Application Form. You may upload your valid School ID, Certificate of Employment, or endorsement letter signed by your school principal/head to avail of partner rates.

Step 2: Receive Statement of Account (SOA) Email. AFS Philippines reviews your application and sends a registration confirmation email containing a Google Form where registrants can upload their proof of payment. 

Step 4: Receive Payment Confirmation. Our team will verify the applicant’s payment and send a confirmation email within 24-48 hours, confirming their slot for the 2026 AFS GCED Connect. 

Step 5: Access Global Up Learning Platform. A separate final onboarding email will be sent containing the access details and instructions to start your Global Up Educators journey, starting with the 20 asynchronous online modules.

Deadline of Pre-Application is on October 5, 2026.

Apply Now