Transformative and Emancipative Pedagogy: Intercultural Education and Global Civic Education for the Promotion of the Common Good

This essay explores the role of intercultural education in promoting the common good, emphasising its importance in fostering pluralistic, equitable and democratic societies. The essay posits that, alongside education for peace and global citizenship, intercultural education nurtures democratic values by encouraging dialogue, critical reflection, and ethical awareness. Drawing on the work of thinkers such as Dewey and Freire, it also emphasises education’s transformative power in combatting hate speech, racism and discrimination. Schools are presented as pivotal institutions in cultivating respect, tolerance, and solidarity, particularly in contexts of diversity and conflict. Through a case study on Global Civic Education, the essay lastly demonstrates how reflective educational practices can empower individuals to recognise and value cultural differences, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society based on mutual understanding and shared responsibility.