Dr. Ghada Sfeir

Biography

Dr. Ghada Sfeir holds a doctorate in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Her research interests centre on cosmopolitanism, global citizenship education, global competencies, multiculturalism, anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. Currently, Dr. Sfeir serves as the Senior Advisor for Anti-Racism and Racial Equity in the Office of Institutional Commitments (OIC) at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

In her current role, Dr. Sfeir provides consultation on university guidelines, policies, and processes through an inclusive excellence lens. She plays a key role in delivering training related to inclusive and equitable research, anti-racism, federal, provincial, and municipal anti-racism legislation and strategies to support university leadership in inclusive excellence. Dr. Sfeir collaborates with administrative units and University of Calgary groups to develop strategic partnerships that support well-being and cultivate a strong sense of belonging across the campus community. 

Dr. Sfeir has taught graduate and undergraduate courses from a social justice perspective, covering topics such as diversity in the classroom; transnationalism and cosmopolitanism; internationalization of education; culture, power, and politics; adult education; immigrant experiences in Canada; curriculum theory; school and society; and philosophy of education. She has also published various academic articles with a focus primarily on cosmopolitanism. She has recently collaborated in editing a special issue of the International Journal of Talent Development and Creativity (2022), which promotes cosmopolitan pathways for Canada’s growing diversity from coast to coast to coast and beyond. Her professional academic activities also include delivering keynote speeches and developing and facilitating public webinars aimed at advancing a collective understanding of the principles of cosmopolitanism and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Website: https://www.ghadasfeir.com. 

Publications

Sfeir, G. (Forthcoming, 2026).  Bringing moral cosmopolitanism into global leadership competencies: Promising perspectives and challenges. In K. Margo (Ed.),  Emerald Handbook for teaching global competencies: Theoretical perspectives and practical applications inside and outside the classroom.  UK: Emerald. 

Magro, K., & Sfeir, G. (2022). Extending knowledge and learning through the prism of cosmopolitan Education: International Perspectives. International Journal for Talent Development and Creativity,10(1-2), pp. 7-329.

Sfeir, G. (2022). Making the case for cosmopolitan pathways for Canada’s diversity [Special issue]. International Journal of Talent Development and Creativity, 10(1-2), pp. 241-255.

Orlowski, P., & Sfeir, G. (2020). Global problems require a global citizenry: The case for teaching global citizenship. In L. Kornelsen, G., Balzer, & K. Magro (Eds.), Teaching Global citizenship: A Canadian Perspective (pp. 12-28). Toronto, Ontario: Canadian Scholars Press.

Sfeir, G. (Spring, 2015). A cosmopolitan outlook on Canadian citizenship: A case study in Montreal. In Education, 21(1), 74-92.

Sfeir, G. (September, 2014). Critical pedagogy through popular culture. Education Matters: Journal of Teaching and Learning, 2(2), 15-25.