On 1 January 2007, the World Scout Bureau instituted a No Smoking policy, making the WSB (Central and Regional offices) a smoke-free environment. Our National Scout Organizations are urged to follow this example and take this important step to protect people's health, extending the policy to all their offices and Scout meeting places, and also making both indoor and outdoor Scouting activities smoke-free in all age sections. It is Scouting's educational responsibility, and leaders must be conscious of the vital role of their example.

NSOs are also encouraged to help celebrate the World Health Organization's (WHO) World No Tobacco Day on 31 May. Every year, WHO, communities and organizations all over the world celebrate World No Tobacco Day with events to raise awareness about the devastating harm caused by tobacco use. This year the focus is on 100% smoke-free environments as the only effective measure to protect the public from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

WOSM and WHO are both highly interested in learning about Scouts' health-related and Tobacco Free Initiative projects. You are invited to share with the world and other Scouts your activities in this area, to demonstrate Scouting's active commitment to make a better world by tackling important health issues. Please send your health project description, outcomes, and other information such as pictures or videos to at the World Scout Bureau.

Also, be sure to explore the WHO's website ( www.who.int/tobacco/wntd) for more information. Here you can find out about the dangers of tobacco smoke and the benefits of smoke-free environments. There is also information Scouts can use to undertake projects to raise awareness about the threats to health posed by tobacco use, and you can register your projects for a listing on the WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative web page.

Together, with these efforts, we can help to make our world a healthier and safer place for all.