Development of the Academic Networkon Global Education & Learning

At the ANGEL conference with UNESCO in June, I outlined that from 2024, there will be a
need for ANGEL to have a paid membership system. I would now like to outline the reasons
for this.

The ANGEL network was established in 2017 as a network of academics, researchers and
students. A major focus of the network has been to work with policymakers and
practitioners to raise the profile of global education and learning, global citizenship and
education for sustainable development. The profile ANGEL now has at an international level
has meant that it now has regular dialogue with bodies such as UNESCO and in Europe, the
European Commission. It works closely with Global Education Network Europe (GENE) and
had an influential role with the process that led to the launch of the Global Education to
2050 (the Dublin Declaration in 2022).

By August 2023 it had over 1100 members. It has organised 3 face to face major
conferences, an online conference in 2021 and regular conferences and events for early
career researchers. We produce a regular newsletter, organise 6 webinars a year and
facilitate and support special interest groups within the network. We have also begun to
support the development of networks within differing regions of the world and sponsor
symposiums at international education conferences such as the European Education
Research Association. As well as a website which includes information about members, the
Network produces an annual Digest of recent publications in the field of Global Education
and learning. This is now produced in ten languages.

The Network has valued the partnership with Global Education Network Europe (GENE)
which has enabled the Development Education Research Centre at University College
London to provide effective administrative support, website development, production of
publications and organising of webinars and conferences.

From dialogue with members there is clearly interest in developing the work of the network.
Members have contacted us seeking support to develop regional networks, special interest
groups and identify areas of joint research.

With the development of the Network, it has been suggested that there will be a need for a
new organisational structure that reflects the breadth of its membership, is democratic and
ensures voices and perspectives from all regions of the world are reflected. Continue reading