World Scouting has presented a new World Scout Events Strategy designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of its events. Developed in close consultation with stakeholders, the new strategy emphasises safety, inclusivity, and technological advancement as key pillars of success. Building on past achievements while addressing current challenges, the strategy aims to set new higher standards for World Scout Events, ensuring that they are safe, engaging, impactful, and inspiring to the next generation of leaders.
World Scout Events are among the most prominent gatherings within the Scout Movement, each serving a unique purpose. From in-person events, like the World Scout Conference, World Scout Jamboree, and World Scout Moot, to those held online, like JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree on the Air-Jamboree on the Internet), these events bring Scouts together for decision-making, camping, and learning, fostering international understanding and friendship.
The strategy will guide the evolution of World Scout Events through clear priorities at two levels. The first level focuses on driving transformative change within the Scout Movement and enhancing educational offerings over the next nine years. These priorities are essential in shaping events like the World Scout Jamboree and World Scout Moot, ensuring they not only meet but exceed expectations by fostering unity and learning on a global scale. The second level of priorities focuses on providing support to National Scout Organizations at national, regional, and world levels, enabling strategic adjustments to maintain the integrity and impact of these significant gatherings.
Ensuring the success of World Scout Events requires meticulous planning and close collaboration with host countries, beginning with comprehensive agreements that outline all necessary requirements, from infrastructure to logistical support. These agreements are essential for coordinating every aspect of an event, upholding the highest standards of Scouting, and ensuring an exceptional experience for participants.
Safe from Harm: Reinforcing the protection of participants
The new strategy strengthens the “Safe from Harm” framework, ensuring that every adult involved in a World Scout Event – whether on-site or online – has obtained a Safe from Harm certificate, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the highest safety standards. The strategy also expands support structures, such as the “Listening Ears” team, present at each event to provide real-time assistance and address concerns. A robust notification system ensures immediate reporting and swift resolution of any safety issues, creating a secure environment where Scouts and volunteers can fully engage, confident in their well-being.
Sustainability, digital transformation, and safety integration
Sustainability is a critical component of this strategic framework, helping reduce the environmental impact of events. By integrating environmental responsibilities into event planning, World Scouting ensures that large-scale gatherings are both sustainable and economically viable. This commitment is reinforced by the “A Fit for Purpose Organisation” priority – outlined in the next Strategy for Scouting – which emphasises financial responsibility alongside environmental concerns.
Digital transformation further enhances World Scout Events, with priorities like “Innovating Education” expanding digital opportunities and “An Adaptable Organisation” strengthening the organisation’s infrastructure. These priorities not only improve the educational experience but also ensure that World Scout Events are adaptable and resilient, providing a robust framework for safe and engaging global gatherings.
The development of this comprehensive strategy was a collaborative process, with extensive input from experts, volunteers, and Scouts at all levels. This collaboration ensures that World Scouting not only meets current needs but also positions itself as a leader in organising safe and innovative spaces that empower young people and contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive world.
