We gathered again from around the globe for the second day of the 14th World Scout Youth Forum – a day full of learning, fun and meeting new people. You heard from Scouts leading projects for sustainable development, met the Youth Advisor candidates and participants started to cast their votes for the election.
Active citizenship through science and innovation
Science, innovation and youth leadership shone through our special keynote speaker Gitanjali Rao – an innovator, author, scientist, Scout and promoter of STEM who was recently named TIME’s first Kid of the Year in 2020.
Gitanjali shared her experiences using science and technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to prescription drug addiction to cyberbullying. Her innovations inspired us all and so did your questions!
“It’s so important to use science and technology as a catalyst for social change. We’re looking for a sustainable world, one where everyone wants to live in it and youth play an important role in achieving that.” – Gitanjali Rao
Contributing towards peace and sustainable development
In an engaging Q&A during the plenary session, Craig Turpie, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, and Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement shared the achievements and progress of the Scout Movement over the past triennium. They also highlighted how Scouting can be a powerful force for young people to develop the skills and leadership qualities that are relevant for today’s globalised and rapidly changing world.
“We have to care deeply about the mega-trends that are shaping the world we live in – climate change, sustainable development, the right to access education and employment. All these issues are where we need to influence more positive change so we can create greater opportunities for young people.” – Ahmad Alhendawi
Participants also had the opportunity to join the Scouts for SDGs and Dialogue for Peace workshops to hear from Scouts and Messenger of Peace Heroes who are leading community projects to tackle different issues in their communities. From Saudi Arabia to Ireland to Malaysia, Scouts everywhere are working towards achieving a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Opening the Youth Advisor elections
On day 1 we learned about the eVoting system and had the chance to meet the 18 incredible Youth Advisor candidates running for elections. On day 2 we opened the votes during the plenary session to elect six of these candidates to serve as the next Youth Advisors to the World Scout Committee for the 2021-2024 triennium. Delegations will have until 12:00 GMT on 20 August to cast their votes.
Finally, our knowledge was put to the test in an online poll about the responsibilities of the Youth Advisors, and we learned all about WOSM’s Triennial Plan and its six strategic priorities.
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