GENE considered the following dimensions when reviewing the initiatives from different parts of Europe:

• alignment with the Maastricht definition of Global Education (2002) with a strong focus on justice

• interconnectedness between the global and the local

• highlighting quality that enables learning in other European countries

• educational approach

• and an active, participatory and critical role of all involved in the initiative

Moreover, the diverse context of the European countries has also been taken into consideration.

Nominated initiatives should be run by a legally constituted body and should reflect what represents quality Global Education, with a view to inspiring stakeholders in other countries, and, in particular, other policymakers.

To highlight examples of good practices of quality Global Education initiatives in Europe, to enable multiplication or scale-up, and to enhance policy learning across borders.

To offer recognition and to disseminate learning from examples of quality Global Education among policymakers and other stakeholders in Europe.

Ministries and Agencies participating in GENE can nominate up to three Global Education initiatives from their country. The type of initiative is flexible. It could be an innovative GE teacher education programme, an unusual partnership, a brilliant NGO project, an inspiring whole-school approach, a youth work initiative or an adult learning project.

GENE awarded €10,000 to the most inspiring Global Education initiatives. The money is intended to support, improve and/or expand the work. Additionally, other inspiring initiatives were included in a GENE Award compendium and received a certificate of excellence and recognition.