The Ahlan Wa Sahlan Initiative has supported National Scout Organizations (NSOs) with limited financial resources to participate in the 43rd World Scout Conference through its Solidarity Fund. This initiative, entitled Ahlan Wa Sahlan, meaning “welcome”, focused on supporting up to 50 NSOs from categories A and B, while encouraging youth involvement and gender diversity.
A total of 71 NSOs applied for funding through the fund. Following a review of all applications, NSOs in good standing with the World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM) were targeted and selected individuals were required to meet specific criteria, including being under 30 years old, being nominated by their NSO as a delegate and representing an NSO that would otherwise not be able to attend in-person. As a result of this process, 48 NSOs representing the worldwide diversity of the Movement received financial support.
All of the participants supported through the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Initiative are younger than 30 years old, and 68% of them are female. With such a high female participation rate, the initiative is demonstrating its success in promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the Scout movement.
With Ahlan Wa Sahlan, young leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiencing financial. challenges will be able to participate in the World Scout Conference. Thanks to the joint financial support from the Egyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and World Scouting, the Solidarity Fund has facilitated attendance at the conference. This initiative will foster a more inclusive and enriching dialogue, ultimately strengthening and unifying the Scout Movement.
We extend our special thanks to Minister Dr. Ashraf Sobhy and the Egyptian Scout Federation for making this possible.
