At United Planet, we aim to provide individuals as well as organizations with knowledge and experience in hopes to promote a more peaceful and sustainable world. This is one of the reasons why we created the Five Pillars of Global Leadership, a comprehensive learning model promoting global learning, leadership, and understanding.
The model was developed in collaboration with leading experts in service-learning, experiential education, and leadership development and draws inspiration from the theory of Relational Diplomacy.
The Five Pillars of Global Citizenship are based on the principle of Relational Diplomacy, a theory pioneered by David Santulli, MA, CPA, following his research on peacebuilders in Cyprus. Relational Diplomacy emphasizes the importance of individual relationships as the foundation for international understanding and unity.
The Five Pillars of Global Citizenship, which serve as the foundation for United Planet’s programs, include Relational Diplomacy, Global Leadership, Global Understanding, Civic Engagement, and Academic and Professional Competence.
United Planet utilizes a useful acronym to remember the five pillars: Global Citizen Leaders are CLUED in. They connect, lead, understand, engage, and develop within a global or cross-cultural context. Under each pillar, United Planet contains specific learning goals within the three learning domains: knowledge, skills, and values. Mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values are achieved through an intentional blend of teaching and learning methods that include readings, discussions, reflection, workshops, practice, and observation.
United Planet’s programs engage students and professionals in cross-cultural exchanges to address global challenges in education, health, and the environment. The organization works closely with its Academic Advisory Group, comprising academic leaders and researchers in international service learning, experiential learning, and leadership development, to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of its programs.
The Five Pillars offer a comprehensive learning model for both academics and practitioners, facilitating global learning and partnership development across various fields and disciplines. By connecting individuals in intentional and reflective ways, United Planet aspires to build a more peaceful, cohesive, and sustainable world.
“We are very proud of our Academic Advisory Group, consisting of leading academics, practitioners, and pioneers in the field of leadership, service-learning and more. We hope that this model will provide an actionable framework and guide to develop global citizen leaders who are empowered to embrace challenges within our world and build bridges between communities. By preparing future leaders, we start the best chance to ensure a brighter, more peaceful and sustainable future for all.”
David Santulli,
Founder & President of United Planet