No democracy can adequately function without the support of citizens who understand its foundations in ideas, institutions and practices, and know how to ensure that their problems and aspirations are addressed by the governments charged with representing them. Civic education is pedagogy, encompassing education and training of both youths and adults in and outside of schools.
Civic education can also take place through radio and television broadcasting and other means.
Distance learning techniques are increasingly important, particularly in the developing world. They explored the central role of civic educators in cultivating a democratic culture and pledged to continue their joint efforts to raise the visibility of civic education on the international agenda and leverage their resources through cooperative efforts. The wave of change toward democracy and the open economy that swept the world at the beginning of this decade has slowed, and, in some respects, even turned around. All this makes clear how central knowledge, skills, and democratic values are to building and sustaining democratic societies that are respectful of human rights and cultural diversity. Once again, we see the importance of education which empowers citizens to participate competently and responsibly in their societies.