Global Issues Network

The Global Issues Network (GIN), founded in 2003 by a group of concerned educators from a handful of international schools in Europe has grown into a worldwide network which counts several hundred members, both students and educators, around the globe.

Inspired by the work of Jean-François Rischard, former World Bank Vice-President for Europe, and his book, High Noon: Twenty Global Problems, Twenty Years to Solve Them, the GIN's mission is to help students realise they can make a difference by empowering them to develop solutions for contemporary global issues, through collaboration with their peers.

Long term goals of the GIN are to change the culture of schools by developing an increased awareness of contemporary global issues both through curricula as well as through extra-curricular actions and events. Local GIN programmes work hand in hand with organisations to support initiatives, both locally and globally. The GIN encourages the creation of GIN satellite networks of schools around the world, enabling students to work in cooperation, educate themselves, and seek solutions to some of the environmental and humanitarian issues facing the world. In addition to the annual global conference, regional conferences are also held periodically.

Upper School students at ISL have the opportunity to get involved by joining the local ISL Global Issues Network group which meets regularly at school. The ISL GIN group takes part in regional and international conferences, sponsors initiatives to raise global awareness among the students, and promotes fundraising activities for GIN projects.

• Visit the Global Issues Network Website