Looking for an international strategy for geography education

Abstract

Geography education is under pressure in many countries in the world. Many publications in the field of geography education and a lot of papers presented at geography conferences focus on the problematic position of geography in primary and secondary education. However, describing the problem is easier than finding a solution for it. To take a step forward some effort and creativity are needed. The good news is that at different places in the world new initiatives are developing to stimulate geography in education. The 2013 Rome Declaration on Geographical Education in Europe is one new initiative to help the teaching and learning of geography in schools. Elaborating on the Rome Declaration this contribution presents some ideas for a strategic plan for geography education and invites readers to contribute their ideas for how to take this forward. The Commission on Geographical Education of the International Geographical Union is happy to function as meeting place and to facilitate the sharing of good practices in geography education worldwide in close cooperation with EUGEO, EUROGEO and regional and national geographical organisations.