Global competence is supported by knowledge of global issues that affect lives locally and around the globe as well as intercultural knowledge, that is, knowledge about the similarities, differences and relations between cultures. This knowledge helps people to challenge misinformation and stereotypes about other countries and people, and thus counters intolerance and oversimplified representations of the world.
Global issues are those that affect all individuals, regardless of their nation or social group. They range from trade to poverty, human rights, geopolitics and the environment. Global issues reveal how different regions around the world are interconnected by shedding light on the diversity and commonality of their experiences (Boix Mansilla and Jackson, 2011).
As global issues emerge when ecological and socio-economic interests cross borders, intercultural issues (situations) arise from the interaction of people with different cultural backgrounds.