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5 months ago

World Scouting advancing on peace, sustainability, and youth leadership

The Scout Movement is not just a youth organisation. It’s a global catalyst for change, making impactful strides in peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and sustainability. As Scouts take on leadership roles in their communities and advocate for a better world, their efforts resonate far beyond Scouting, shaping the future on a global scale.

Championing peace through youth-led initiatives

In a world often divided by conflict, the Scout Movement stands as a beacon of hope. Through transformative initiatives like Messengers of Peace and Dialogue for Peace, Scouts are actively building bridges across cultures and communities. Since its launch in 2010, Messengers of Peace has mobilised Scouts in nearly all 176 National Scout Organizations, contributing over 2.7 billion hours of service toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This massive effort underscores Scouting’s commitment to fostering peace, inclusion, and dialogue.
 
The Messengers of Peace Hero Award further amplifies these efforts by recognising young leaders who have spearheaded extraordinary community projects. These heroes not only embody the Scout spirit but also inspire others to take action, creating a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond the boundaries of Scouting.
 
Over 1.15 million Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons were assisted by Scouts spanning nine partner countries in Europe between April 2022 and June 2023, through a partnership between World Scouting and UNICEF. Their humanitarian efforts included providing accommodation, supporting on the borders, distributing essential items, running daycare centres, helping at refugee and transit centres, offering psychological first aid, and integrating over 9,000 young Ukrainians into local Scout groups and Scout camps.

Empowering the next generation of leaders

World Scouting is deeply committed to empowering young people as leaders and decision-makers. Recognising the importance of youth involvement, recent initiatives have bolstered youth participation in governance and strategic decision-making. The updated Youth Engagement Strategy, adopted at the 2021 World Scout Conference, is a game-changer, driving a cultural shift within the Movement to prioritise youth leadership at all levels.
 
In the past three years, 31 Youth Representatives have played a pivotal role in advancing the global sustainable development agenda, ensuring that young voices are heard in key international forums. Nadine Shili, former WOSM Youth Representative who attended the UN General Assembly, is one example of how Scouting has empowered young people to become advocates outside the Movement.

Since the age of six, Scouting never failed to provide me with the skills that formal education alone didn’t provide. I found myself confidently approaching leaders and peers in the education sector, asking tough questions, and sharing my learning

Nadine Shili
Youth participation in delegations and among World Scout Committee candidates has been a priority of World Scouting at the 43rd World Scout Conference. The significant presence of young delegates at the event – where 23% were under the age of 30 – highlights the Movement’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who are equipped to drive change within Scouting and beyond.

Leading the charge on sustainability

As environmental challenges grow increasingly urgent, World Scouting is stepping up with bold commitments and innovative strategies. The goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2033 is not just an aspiration; it’s a strategic priority that guides the Movement’s approach to sustainability. World Scouting is implementing a comprehensive climate impact strategy, focusing on reducing the environmental footprint of Scouting activities and embedding sustainability into every aspect of its operations.
 
Initiatives like Earth Tribe and Earth Hour are more than just campaigns. They are platforms for young people to take concrete actions that protect our planet. Supported by global partners like the UN Environment Programme and WWF, these initiatives are empowering a generation of environmental leaders. Furthermore, the 34 Scout Centres that have earned the Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and Environment (SCENES) label are setting new standards in environmental education and sustainability, leading by example at the community level.
 
The Scout Movement is more than just a collection of youth programmes; it’s a powerful global network driving progress in peace, youth leadership, and sustainability. As Scouts continue to lead initiatives that transform communities and protect our planet, their impact is felt not only within the Movement but across the world. For external stakeholders and partners, engaging with the Scout Movement is an opportunity to be part of a transformative journey that is shaping the future of 57 million Scouts and beyond.
 
Through the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge Project, young people have been exposed to good practices regarding the use of plastics. As a symbol of achievement and learning, Scouts who complete the project activities receive Plastic Tide Turners badges. With the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge Project in Madagascar since 2022, more than 4,500 young people have been educated on the issues threatening our planet.

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World Scouting advancing on peace, sustainability, and youth leadership