World Scouting and EU meet to discuss youth and the SDGs

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World Scouting and the European Commission are working towards shared goals of creating a better world through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In April, Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and Jutta Urpilainen, European Commission Directorate for International Partnerships, met to discuss the challenges facing young people around the world and Scouting’s role in supporting the European Commission in delivering on their global development priorities.

The Youth Action Plan in EU External Action (2022-2027) is a fitting example of the alignment of both the EU and the Scout Movement’s priorities. The plan, which was developed with input from Scouts and other youth-led organisations around the world, is designed to promote the engagement of young people as strategic partners and to support their empowerment and participation to contribute to sustainable development, equality and peace.

Tweet by Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) about his meeting with Jutta Urpilainen, European Commission Directorate for International Partnerships
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World Scout Bureau

On Twitter, Ms Urpilainen shared: “Youth movements like World Scouting contributed to designing the Youth Action Plan and have a role in implementation. Crises have hindered progress on the SDGs. [The new UN] Youth Office is much welcomed. We also need to support youth organisations.”

World Scouting is committed to mobilising young people to take action in their communities and build a better world. Scouting’s action-oriented approach to education is uniquely designed to equip young people with the competencies to become active global citizens and contribute to peace and sustainable development.

Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and Jutta Urpilainen, European Commission Directorate for International Partnerships
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European Commission /

Over the years, Scouting has made an extraordinary contribution to improving the sustainability of our planet, promoting good health, spreading peace, reducing inequality, responding to humanitarian crises, and teaching valuable skills for life.

Through the flagship Scouts for SDGs initiative, set to expand later this year, Scouts have the opportunity to take on challenges and share their community impact projects to inspire others. This year, Scouts are set to reach more than three billion hours of community service towards the SDGs, demonstrating a commitment by and for young people towards sustainable development.

As we approach 2030, World Scouting reaffirms our commitment to the European Commission to work in partnership to mobilise our membership of 57 million Scouts around the world and deliver the world’s largest coordinated youth contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

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