About OWW
One World Week has, since 1978, been offering inspiration and hope to encourage people to take action to build a just, more equal, inclusive and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources for future generations. OWW seeks to raise people’s awareness and understanding of the injustices which cause poverty and conflict across the planet and in our local communities and threaten a bleak future for our children. One World Week has been building a movement for change in two ways:
- Events organised by local volunteers bring people together to learn about the global issues, inspire them and share ideas about what they can do. They have happened mainly in October each year, although, from 2023, they will officially take place during the European Global Edcication Week which takes place in mid-November each year. However, events can and do happen at other time to suit the organisers.
- Information, inspiring stories and ideas for action are shared on social media. This goes on all the year round.
The Charity, OWW, which has runs this Website, will close in 2023. The website will remain for a couple of years until April 2025. Event organisers will be able to access information and guidance here. You are welcome to use the resources here and many continue to be highly relevant but for new and up to date resources, please go to our new partners who have taken over as the UK representatives of the Global Education Week, under the auspices of the North–South Centre of the Council of Europe:
- Global Dimension (part of Reboot the Future) or WCIA, the Welsh Centre for International Affairs Global Learning Centre.
For more about One World Week’s vision and aims, please visit OUR VISION page.
Why do we do this?
We believe that:
- injustice, inequality and prejudice are not inevitable but man-made, so we can change them;
- when we understand each other's perspectives, our lives can be transformed and enriched;
- we are all part of one interdependent, human family– the African (Zulu) word, ‘ubuntu’, or ‘active togetherness’ sums it up in the thought-provoking and profound idea: “I am because you are”.
How do we work?
OWW's Vision, Mission and Aims emphasise the importance of working inclusively with everyone to address global and local challenges to achieve justice, peace and sustainability for all.
We chose a theme each year to focus on a particular issue of topical relevance and set this within the Global Education Week's frame of reference. The theme needs always to be broad enough for a wide range of organisations’ supporters to engage with it.
OWW has communicated with supporters through this website and e-newsletters. It has been overseen by a Board of Trustees and, in recent years, staffed almost entirely by volunteers including some of the trustees working in a volunteer capacity. We have no physical office.
One World Week could always only happen through its supporters. The supporters plan, organise and publicise local events, and they can continue to do so. The website stimulated and provided ideas and resources for event organisers and for people to share on social media. It will remain until 2025 but will not be updated.
OWW worked with a National Working Group. Members included development NGOs, faith organisations, campaigning organisations and a school-focussed development education organisation. OWW can be used by anyone or any organisation that supports our aims – it provides a week during which to focus on understanding as an inspiration to action, rather than just fundraising.
More on this on the "Who supports OWW" page.
Is OWW for you?
- If you want to take part in learning together about what people can do to address global issues, then OWW is for you.
- If you want to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Britain today, or where ever you are, and enjoy each other’s company as you discover shared values and work together on common concerns, then OWW is for you.
- Take a look at what we believe - if our aims strike a chord with you, then OWW is for you, whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your affiliations.
OWW is open to anyone to take part.
If you support OWW’s aims, you or your organisation can put on a OWW event. You can plan and organise with others to share ideas and values and to spread the learning. This website has resources and links to other websites to help you.
Visit the “Doing One World Week” pages to see how you can be a part of it.