Being a European Citizen means we obey common laws and have common rights within the EU. Unlike in Roman times, being a citizen is not a status symbol anymore, as European Citizens we aspire to equal rights for all and we can all participate in the decision making process through our, democratically elected, Governments and MEP’s. We are encouraged to be Active Citizens. The term Global Citizenship is not as easily defined as European Citizenship, there are no clear rules and regulations and, globally, we do not have democratically elected representatives to speak for us. Global Citizenship is more a moral understanding of our responsibilities and our rights in a global context. Being a true Global citizen indicates that we understand that all people have equal rights while at the same time valuing diversity. In addition, it means that we value the Earth as very precious, and as a resource upon which we all depend and should care for.
The EU and the United Nations The EU also works together with the United Nations (UN) on a global scale to ensure good Global Citizenship within the EU. The UN was founded after the Second World War and at present, it represents 193 countries, nearly every country in the world. The UN’s main aim is to maintain world peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights. To be able to work effectively around the world the UN works with more then 30 organisations world wide, this is known as the UN system.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
These are the 8 goals the UN aims to achieve by 2015. The goals were agreed upon during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.
The Eight MDGs are:
Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Achieve universal primary education
Promote gender equality and empower women
Reduce child mortality
Improve maternal health
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Ensure environmental sustainability
Develop a Global Partnership for Development