Monday 09 / February / 2026
Muscat: ABA Oman International School successfully hosted the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) Up 2026 conference, welcoming student delegates and educators from NIST International School (Thailand) and Le Jardin Academy (Hawaii).
The five-day event, themed “Breaking Barriers & Building Bridges,” brought together 18 students and eight chaperones for an immersive experience in intercultural learning, leadership, and global citizenship.
ABA’s GCD Coordinator, Terrence R. Dillon, stated, “GCD Up 2026 enabled students to experience remarkable growth in leadership, intercultural understanding, and community-minded action. By exploring and learning from different cultures, they developed a deeper sense of global responsibility, understanding how their actions connected to and impacted communities beyond their own. It was an enriching experience that empowered them to think critically, collaborate across borders, and act meaningfully in our interconnected world.”
The cultural exchange experience provided students with the opportunity to collaborate across cultures, explore pressing global issues, and create actionable solutions for their school communities. Working in international teams, students were afforded the opportunity to reach beyond their comfort zones and authentically immerse themselves into our culture. Many of ABA’s student leaders and volunteers went above the call to make this possible and offer unforgettable experiences that are difficult to manufacture. In return, our ABA students expanded their intercultural communication and leadership skills.
“When students and families come together to celebrate differences and learn from diverse perspectives, they see firsthand that global challenges are interconnected, and so are the solutions. Collaboration across cultures teaches them to innovate, empathize, and take meaningful action, preparing them to make a positive impact both locally and globally,” expressed Craig Williamson, ABA Head of School.
Immersive learning experiences deepened students’ understanding of Oman’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Students visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq, shared a communal dinner at Rozna, explored Wadi Shab, engaged with natural environment immersion and reflection at the Daymaniyat Islands, and experienced the rich cultural history of Nizwa on a Friday. The Le Jardin Academy team from Hawaii were treated to an overnight desert trip and a stay at a Bedouin camp.
These activities helped students reflect on how culture, history, and environment shape community identity. ABA’s annual International Cultural Fair provided a wonderful backdrop celebrating diversity while reinforcing the values of belonging, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
“As the first school in the Middle East authorised to offer the Global Citizen Diploma, ABA is committed to developing students who think critically, lead ethically, and act responsibly in a global world,” said Mr. Simon Walker, Assistant Head of School and High School Principal. “GCD Up 2026 enabled our students to build meaningful connections, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their sense of purpose and global responsibility.
In today’s globalised world, we can no longer think of borders in isolation; what happens in one country can impact communities far beyond. Our students learn to understand what connects us, collaborate on global projects, and act as responsible global citizens, shaping a better, more sustainable future for all.”
Ellen Thorne, Global GCD Coordinator, commented, "Our story is more than numbers, and so is the GCD experience. The programme inspires students to reflect on their values, recognise their strengths, and take purposeful action. By connecting with peers across the world, they learn that global citizenship is not just an idea, it is a responsibility. This experience empowers them to act thoughtfully, ethically, and collaboratively, contributing to a shared, interconnected future."
The GCD Consortium connects students worldwide, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and social impact. Facilitated by a network of international schools, the Global Citizen Diploma framework encourages students to reflect intentionally, recognise their values, and celebrate personal growth.
Established in 2011 at Yokohama International School, the GCD awarded its first diplomas in 2013 and has since expanded to a global consortium, including ABA Oman International School (Muscat), ACS International School (UK), American School of Antananarivo (Madagascar), Escola Concept (Brazil), Hong Kong Academy (China), International School of Uganda (Kampala), Kambala (Sydney, Australia), Le Jardin Academy (Hawaii, USA), Nanjing International School (China), NIST International School (Bangkok, Thailand), and Yokohama International School (Japan).
ABA’s participation in GCD Up 2026 reflects the school’s holistic approach to education, emphasising student voice, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive values. By empowering learners to think critically, act ethically, and lead responsibly, ABA continues to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
ABA Oman International School is Muscat’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school, offering a full IB continuum from Early Childhood to the Diploma Programme. Established in 1987, ABA is known for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability, service learning, and global citizenship. With a diverse student body representing 70 nationalities, ABA fosters an inclusive community grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), empowering students to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the world. Discover The ABA Way at www.abaoman.org.
