What does it take to become a global citizen?: Necessary and sufficient conditions

What is a global citizen?

Professor Phan Van Truong, former permanent advisor to the French Government on international trade, author of the book Global Citizen - Citizen of the Universe, said that it is currently difficult to define the concept of global citizen based on material standards. There are as many types of people as there are global citizens. However, all global citizens live with a rational style, bring positivity to serve and be systematic protectors of this planet.

Professor Phan Van Truong

"Global citizenship is not about a degree, but about attitude, style, making people more confident, self-respecting, kind, knowing how to serve, and living responsibly with everyone around them. At the same time, global citizens must know how to care about global issues, have a broad perspective, not discriminate against any culture, and be willing to share what they know. To be a global citizen, one must be a citizen before thinking about global issues," said Professor Phan Van Truong.

Master Ho Thu Huong, who has traveled to more than 40 countries around the world and 5 continents, co-founded and manages the project "Green Passport to Travel Around the World" to help young Vietnamese people confidently become global citizens, also believes that there is no official definition of a global citizen.

According to Master Huong, instead of prioritizing qualities such as having lived in different countries and being able to speak many languages, the criteria of an exemplary global citizen are someone who has a broad vision, is eager to learn, knows how to think of others, has empathy and is willing to help those around them when needed.

"Global citizens are people who are not limited by barriers, have the spirit to overcome difficulties, can adapt, exist anywhere in the world and in any situation; are not afraid to deal with any obstacles on the way to the goal, have no problems when interacting with different people because they know how to communicate in a multicultural environment," said Ms. Thu Huong.

According to Master Huong, each of us can become a global citizen if we wish. The path to the world is not an easy one, but requires careful preparation to overcome difficulties along the way.

Master Ho Thu Huong

Become a global citizen even while… sitting at home

To become a global citizen, Professor Phan Van Truong advises young people to have self-respect. Self-respect is the foundation, in every word and commitment. When people have self-respect, they will keep their word and follow the "rules of the game" of society. The world operates on principles that if you follow, no matter who you are, you will have a place.

Master Ho Thu Huong believes that young people today can completely become global citizens even while sitting at home. With just a computer, phone, and internet, young people can communicate with the whole world, care about global issues, work and volunteer online or participate in distance learning courses.

"The world is changing rapidly every day, every hour. If you want to keep up with the times, young people must be determined to constantly learn and update information. Learning is not limited to the school campus, but you have to learn by yourself, search for information, and cultivate new knowledge every day and in any situation," Ms. Huong shared.

According to Professor Truong, many young people think that they need to know many foreign languages to become global citizens, however, global citizens do not necessarily know how to use many foreign languages. Some people who can only use one language fluently can still be global citizens. Of course, if someone knows many languages, they will easily expand their knowledge, access cultures around the world and from there easily have the mindset of a global citizen.

According to Master Huong, young people should equip themselves with the ability to use foreign languages well. Using English is essential for today's life, knowing English will help you communicate with most people in the world. In addition to communicating fluently in English, you should learn a few more foreign languages. Learning foreign languages helps you understand more about the culture and lifestyle of a country and people, and this helps you to be curious about the world, become more interesting and have a more colorful life.

"Global citizenship is a journey, not a destination. I cannot say that I have become a global citizen so I don't need to do anything anymore. I have to try to improve myself every day, share my knowledge with everyone, and learn more good things from others," said Master Huong./.

According to Thanh Nien

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