Today, during the opening of the 26th Arab Regional Scout Conference, World Scout Committee Vice-Chairman Mario Diaz started the first official speech of the Conference as follows:

"Mr Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, dear Brothers and Sisters in Scouting, just a few days ago, a terrible earthquake devastated Haiti, leaving behind an unprecedented number of casualties. In God is the best consolation against every catastrophe, a substitute for every loss, and a replacement for anything that is missed. Let’s trust God, seek His aid, and be hopeful of His mercy. May God increase our reward, and grant us the best of consolation."

Some 200 Scout Leaders representing 19 Arab National Scout Organizations then stood up and observed a minute of silence to honour all victims of this natural disaster, and specially our beloved Haitian Scout brothers and sisters."