Reimagining Global Citizenship Education with AI: Promoting Justice, Inclusion, and Digital Participation

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is reshaping pedagogical approaches
and redefining how learners engage with global issues, particularly within the context of Global
Citizenship Education (GCE). This study explores the multifaceted role of AI in GCE by examining its
potential to support inclusive learning, foster civic engagement, and raise critical ethical questions.
Drawing on qualitative data from three distinct educational settings a secondary school, a non-formal
youth program, and a university-based teacher training initiative this research identifies five core
themes: personalized inclusion, participatory citizenship, algorithmic ethics, the mediating role of
educators, and long-term educational transformation. Findings reveal that AI can serve as a powerful
enabler of personalized and inclusive learning experiences, particularly for students from linguistically
and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. AI-driven simulations and interactive platforms were found
to enhance students’ empathy and understanding of complex global challenges. However, significant
concerns emerged around access disparities, algorithmic bias, and the cultural limitations of AI-curated
content. Furthermore, the study highlights the central role of educators as ethical guides and cultural
interpreters, whose critical engagement with AI significantly influences educational outcomes. This
research underscores that AI in GCE must be implemented with intentionality, equity, and ethical
awareness. Effective integration requires collaborative efforts among educators, technologists,
policymakers, and learners to ensure that AI does not reinforce existing inequalities but rather supports
the development of critically aware, ethically grounded global citizens. As AI continues to shape the
educational landscape, its role in fostering reflective, inclusive, and socially just learning environments
becomes ever more vital.