Connect, Empower, Transform: Chile Global Citizenship Convention 2023

In October 2023, the Melton Foundation hosted the Chile Global Citizenship Convention (GCC), our annual in-person gathering for participants of the Global Citizenship Learning Program. The Convention brought together around 50 young changemakers from more than six countries, representing diverse cultural, social, and professional backgrounds. Together, they explored how local action can drive global impact, while experiencing the rich culture, geography, and traditions of Chile.

The Chile GCC 2023 was designed to go beyond traditional conferences. It offered participants a hands-on learning experience, connecting them directly with local communities, projects, and leaders working at the forefront of sustainability, social development, and cultural preservation. Over five days, the Fellows engaged in workshops, community projects, cultural immersion, and field visits, gaining both practical insights and personal reflections that they could carry forward to their own communities.

GCC 2023 at a Glance

The Chile GCC 2023 was a dynamic week of learning, collaboration, and cultural immersion. Fellows began by connecting across cultures through icebreakers and orientation sessions, sharing their motivations for joining the program and forming bonds that would underpin teamwork throughout the Convention.

The Inauguration Launch Event officially kicked off the Convention, featuring keynotes from Chilean experts, cultural performances, and an overview of the week’s activities. This set the tone for an immersive experience, blending knowledge-sharing with celebration of local culture.

The Connect for Action Global Citizenship Festival provided Fellows with the opportunity to showcase their own initiatives, learn from one another, and network with local changemakers. This collaborative environment encouraged creativity, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas for sustainable impact.

During the Campus Visit at Universidad de La Frontera in Pucón, Fellows explored academic programs and research initiatives focused on sustainability, social innovation, and environmental stewardship. They engaged in interactive sessions with faculty and students, gaining insight into how universities can serve as hubs for community-driven impact projects.

The heart of the Convention lay in the Project Visits across La Araucanía and surrounding regions. Fellows participated in immersive field experiences, working alongside local communities and partners. Activities ranged from exploring mountain ecosystems and volcanic landscapes, learning sustainable vineyard practices, to engaging with indigenous Mapuche communities. These experiences allowed participants to understand the intersection of environmental, cultural, and social challenges, while developing practical skills and reflections that they could carry back to their own communities.

Hands-On Project Engagements

The project visits were at the heart of Chile GCC 2023. They provided Fellows with the opportunity to connect theory with practice, engaging directly with pressing issues such as climate change, ecosystem vulnerability, sustainable agriculture, and indigenous knowledge. Each project was designed to foster active learning, personal reflection, and collaboration with local communities, allowing participants to see the tangible impact of global citizenship in action.

Vulnerability of Ecosystems: Conguillío Project Visit

At Melipueco Municipalidad, Fellows explored the impact of climate change on mountain basins and local water resources. Through guided tours, hands-on data collection exercises, and facilitated discussions with local experts, participants gained insight into how environmental challenges directly affect community livelihoods and decision-making processes. The visit was not only an opportunity to learn about environmental science, but also a chance to reflect on how communities adapt and respond to ecological pressures.

Later, Fellows visited Sollipulli, a volcanic region known for its dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems. They observed how geological formations and natural processes shape the environment over centuries, and considered the ways in which human activity intersects with these fragile ecosystems. Breakout sessions encouraged participants to engage in personal reflection, exploring how lessons from these ecosystems can inform policy, community initiatives, and sustainable practices. This experience strengthened their understanding of how global challenges such as climate change require solutions that are both locally grounded and globally informed.

Sustainable Vineyards: La Araucanía

Fellows also gained a practical understanding of sustainable agriculture through an immersive experience at Don Juan Vineyard, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Universidad de La Frontera. Participants learned about traditional Chilean winemaking techniques, climate-resilient farming practices, and environmental management approaches that balance productivity with ecological stewardship.

During the vineyard visit, Fellows actively monitored soil and temperature conditions, learning how these factors affect crop growth. They practiced pruning and harvesting techniques while engaging in meaningful discussions about land rights and indigenous disputes, particularly involving Mapuche communities. This hands-on engagement provided Fellows with a nuanced understanding of how sustainable practices can address both environmental and social challenges, and how global sustainability goals intersect with the realities faced by local communities.

Mapuche Cultural Immersion and Wetlands of Monkul

In Carahue, Fellows immersed themselves in Mapuche culture through a series of community-led activities, ceremonies, and dialogues with elders. They gained a deep appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems, understanding how traditions, storytelling, and cultural practices are intertwined with environmental stewardship.

Fellows participated in environmental initiatives such as cleaning and restoring beach and wetland areas, learning practical conservation techniques while working alongside local community members. They listened attentively to elders sharing stories about the land, cultural traditions, and the principle of reciprocity. Discussions with community leaders highlighted sustainable practices rooted in centuries of indigenous wisdom, emphasizing respect for both people and the environment.

Through these experiences, Fellows developed a profound respect for the integration of culture, ecology, and community well-being. They left with a commitment to share the Mapuche story and the lessons they learned in Chile with broader audiences, ensuring that the knowledge and perspectives gained continue to inspire global citizenship initiatives worldwide.

Our Senior Fellow Trainers

The Chile GCC 2023 was guided and enriched by our Senior Fellow Trainers, who brought global perspectives and deep expertise to the Convention. Archisman Zanzaney (Bangalore, India), Jakob Boy Sußmann (Jena, Germany), and Lisa Guenther (Berlin, Germany) led workshops, facilitated discussions, and supported Fellows in reflecting on their experiences, ensuring that learning was both hands-on and transformative.

Impact and Reflections

The Chile GCC 2023 was a transformative experience for all participants, leaving a lasting impact on both their personal and professional development. The Convention created a space where learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange converged, enabling Fellows to explore the principles of global citizenship in action.

Cross-Cultural Collaboration was a cornerstone of the Convention. Fellows built meaningful connections with peers from six different countries, exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and collectively brainstorming solutions for pressing global challenges. These interactions fostered empathy, broadened perspectives, and encouraged participants to think critically about the ways their local actions can influence global change.

Applied Learning played a significant role throughout the week. Participants gained hands-on skills in environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and project management. Whether analyzing ecosystems in Melipueco, monitoring vineyard conditions in La Araucanía, or restoring wetlands in Carahue, Fellows experienced first-hand the complexity of integrating scientific knowledge, cultural understanding, and social responsibility into practical initiatives.

Cultural Immersion allowed Fellows to deeply engage with Chilean and Mapuche traditions, gaining insights into how culture shapes community practices and decision-making. Participating in ceremonies, learning from local elders, and engaging in dialogue with community leaders fostered a profound appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems, sustainability practices, and the importance of reciprocity in community life.

Global Citizenship in Action was evident in every project, workshop, and reflective session. Through structured discussions, collaborative activities, and hands-on fieldwork, Fellows explored the intersections of sustainability, equity, and human rights. They were challenged to consider how their own actions, both locally and globally, can contribute to meaningful change.

One participant shared:

“Experiencing Mapuche culture and working in local communities made me realize that global citizenship is not just about ideas, it’s about action, respect, and reciprocity. It showed me how much we can learn from local knowledge and how important it is to carry these lessons forward in our own communities.”

By the end of the Convention, each Fellow left with renewed purpose, actionable insights, and a network of peers and mentors. The experiences gained during Chile GCC 2023 not only enriched their understanding of global citizenship but also inspired them to take concrete steps to apply these lessons in their home communities, ensuring that the ripple effects of this transformative Convention extend far beyond Chile.