The Global Inclusion Council brings together a carefully selected international community of experienced practitioners and leaders — a representative body through which grounded experience from many countries can inform dialogue with ministries, UN-linked bodies, and global forums.
IFIP Global Inclusion Council
Very few practitioners have a structured voice in the global conversations that shape inclusion in education.
The Global Inclusion Council has been created to provide that voice.
The GIC is an IFIP programme. UNESCO and UN engagement is via IFIP partnerships; opportunities depend on relevance, selection, and availability — not a UNESCO membership programme.
About the Council
IFIP provides the community. The World Inclusion Congress provides the global stage. The Council provides the representative voice. Founding members will help build that structure from the beginning.
At a glance
Membership is selective. Applications are welcomed from senior practitioners and leaders willing to contribute seriously to international dialogue on inclusion.
Globally representative practitioner body for inclusion dialogue and consultation
School and system leaders, experienced practitioners, advisory and policy-related roles
Senior Fellowship of IFIP required
Up to around six hours per month; global meetings approximately every two months
Up to two years
No standard fee for Council participation itself
Global, regional, and national representation — detail in the handbook
Consultations, collaborative publications, practitioner white paper (over time)
Apply online; selective founding cohort
Why the Global Inclusion Council exists
The purpose of the Global Inclusion Council is to ensure that practitioner insight is present within global conversations on inclusion — organised, credible, and globally representative.
Education systems worldwide are asking how inclusion becomes real practice — in classrooms, leadership, and policy implementation.
Yet too often, the voice of practice is missing.
The people who understand what inclusion looks like day to day are rarely organised into a structured global voice.
Bridging policy and practice
The Council is an active, contribution-based forum — not passive membership and not a stand-alone discussion group. Members contribute professional perspective, not diplomatic representation of a country or organisation.
Optional leadership pathways exist for those who wish to contribute more deeply; structure and governance are set out in the handbook.
Opportunities and outputs
The Council is designed as an ongoing professional community — not a one-off event.
UNESCO and UN-linked forums
There may be opportunities to engage in activities connected to UNESCO, UN-linked forums, and other international platforms — depending on the event, your expertise, and your engagement within the Council.
Supported participation
IFIP may occasionally offer limited supported places at major global events. These are not guaranteed and are offered selectively, aligned with contribution and relevance.
Shared outputs
Over time, the Council may contribute to thematic insights, consultation responses, collaborative publications, and a global practitioner white paper on inclusion.
The GIC is an IFIP programme. UNESCO and UN engagement is via IFIP partnerships; opportunities depend on relevance, selection, and availability — not a UNESCO membership programme.
Most core participation takes place online. Some additional opportunities may involve travel — participation in these is optional.
Who should apply?
Applications are welcomed from:
School and system leaders
Experienced practitioners
Advisory, research, and policy-related roles
There is no single professional pathway required. What matters is the perspective you bring and your willingness to contribute.
Membership is linked to Senior Fellowship of IFIP. If you have not yet applied, you will be asked to do so as part of the process.
The Council is a professional, consultative body — not formal governance or political representation of a country.
Common questions
Short answers below; the handbook covers structure, leadership, and participation in full.
What is the Global Inclusion Council?
A developing, globally representative body of education and inclusion leaders, grounded in practice and designed to inform international dialogue and consultation.
Do I need to be a Senior Fellow of IFIP?
Yes. If you have not yet applied for Senior Fellowship, you will be asked to do so as part of the application process.
How much time does this require?
Up to approximately six hours per month — typically global meetings (around ninety minutes, approximately every two months), light preparation, and occasional follow-up.
Do I need to represent my entire country?
No. You contribute as a professional, informed by your experience and networks — not as a formal or political representative of your country.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no standard cost for participation in the Council itself. Wider events may have separate arrangements.
How long is the commitment?
The typical term is up to two years.
Is this a formal governance body?
No. It is a professional, consultative, and contributory forum — influence through dialogue and credible outputs, not formal voting governance.
Where can I read more?
Download the GIC Handbook from the join section above for leadership structure, regional groups, meeting rhythm, and the full FAQ.
Are you willing to contribute your perspective and engage with others in a developing global conversation grounded in real experience?