Being part of the world is a task that all men and women from this era should accomplish. To think that one is part of the planet just because of our species isn’t quite enough, we’re too different amongst each other. Yet very similar. So, what does it take to become part of Earth, to be a global citizen?
First of all, a global citizen is, according to Oxfam (a global movement dedicated to fighting inequality and poverty): “Is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world – and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable.” Also, Ron Israel, co-founder of the Global Citizens Initiative, describes a global citizen as someone whose actions contribute to the growth of a community and identifies with being part of a globalized world.
Therefore, the first step is to believe you are part of the world and to make sure you are willing to work with other people. Then, you must invest in yourself. How? Well, first of all it’s highly recommended to study as much as you can, for live. Yes, never stop learning; it could be about topics you’re passionate about, maybe about subjects related to your career or profession or about general knowledge. Try enrolling in classes at your local university or maybe reading an old book you have kept in your library. Now is the time to collect all the facts you can get.
For someone who wants to become a globalized citizen, there is the necessity of being up to date with trends: music, fashion, arts, politics, economy and any other category you can think of, everything counts. For this purpose, it is fundamental that you read the newspapers, watch the news on TV, listen to the radio and follow trustworthy journalists and news sites on social media platforms.
Are you good with people? Are you a natural talker? Or is it difficult for you to reach out for others? In any case, creating a network is vital for everybody who lives in this interconnected planet. American Express, one of the world’s largest multinational financial services corporations, hands out seven tips for creating a good network: 1. Focus on the right people. 2. Create win/win situations. 3. Give before you receive. 4. Become a connector. 5. Remember to reconnect. 6. Use social networks. And 7. Start your own networking group.
Languages are also part of the requirements for becoming a global citizen. Speaking just one language is not enough nowadays where everyone is connected through virtual channels. Did you know that the top five most spoken languages around the world are: 1-Mandarin, 2-Spanish, 3- English, 4-Hindi, and 5-French? However, this information is based on how many people around the planet speak that specific language; therefore, it also depends on your area of expertise to know which of the thousands of languages spoken are most important to you.
The Centro para el Desarrollo de Lenguas Extranjeras (CDLE) of the UCAB believes that its important for ucabistas to develop a taste for learning foreign languages. They recommend starting with English, but as Venezuelans speak Spanish, it might be a great idea to try out languages whose root is also Latin. For instance, Portuguese, Italian and even French. Then you could try German, Polish and why not Korean or Japanese. As a global citizen your task is to learn as much as you can.
Last but not least, a globalized person is one capable to take chances -even in the most adverse circumstances-. Where there is a problem, there is a solution and that is a business opportunity.
Now is the time to wonder, to learn. It’s the time to interact with others and learn how to discard fake information. Every single day you have the chance to change your life, to improve your habits and thoughts. So, take notes on the tips given by the CDLE and if you want more information, check their social media @cdle_ucab (Twitter and Instagram), send us an e-mail [email protected] or pay us a visit in Vox Lounge (E-C 18).
