<p>Global citizenship education (GCE) is a cornerstone of the education initiatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is dedicated to fostering the values, knowledge and skills necessary for learners to develop into informed, responsible and engaged global citizens. This article conceptualises GCE through the lens of an ethics of care, offering a transformative framework that addresses the pressing moral, social and ecological challenges of our time. Five core principles of GCE – relational morality, responsiveness, contextual recognition, challenging moral boundaries, and emotions as moral resources – serve as the foundation for this ethical paradigm, each contributing uniquely to a redefined understanding of global citizenship. GCE as an ethics of care emphasises moral and ethical conduct within interpersonal relationships, ranging from teacher–student dynamics to human–non-human interactions. Central to this perspective is the notion of care and empathy for “Others” as a fundamental virtue. GCE as an ethics of care addresses both a pressing practical imperative and a profound need for moral guidance on essential aspects of human existence and behaviour. It provides a foundation for committed action in a world grappling with challenges such as violence, religious and racial animosity, gender and minority oppression, socioeconomic disparities, and the existential threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation.</p>