2,000 Scouts gather for the opening of the 43rd World Scout Conference in Cairo

CAIRO, EGYPT (17 August 2024) —The 43rd World Scout Conference officially kicked off on 17 August in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together more than 2,000 Scouts from 176 countries. The seven-day event is organised by World Scouting and hosted by the Egyptian Federation for Scouts and Girl Guides. 

The assembly will mark a historic moment for the global movement as it celebrates recent achievements including reaching a record 57 million members - the highest in Scouting’s 117-year history. World Scouting is also expected to adopt a visionary roadmap for the next decade, with a significant focus on addressing the defining issues facing young people. 

“Hosting this Conference allows us to showcase the rich cultural heritage while reinforcing our shared values of peace, solidarity and leadership. It is an opportunity for Egyptian Scouts to contribute to the global dialogue on how Scouting will continue to empower the next generation”, said Mohammad Omar (MO), Executive Director of the Conference and International Commissioner of the Egyptian Scouts.

“Our mission as the world’s leading educational youth movement has never been more relevant, and our role in shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow has never been more critical,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of World Scouting. “The World Scout Conference is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of the past decade, but also to look forward and think boldly about the future. To embrace a vision for Scouting that will create change in the world around us, while continuing to offer transformative learning experiences for every young person everywhere.”

The Conference will address a range of important topics, including peace, sustainability, youth leadership, human rights, and non-formal education, and will aim to inspire the leadership of National Scout Organizations through engaging keynote talks and workshop sessions.  

The event will feature partners from international organisations will feature the participation of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, who will deliver a keynote address and engage in a leadership dialogue. Other international organisations include the World Health Organization, Alwaleed Philanthropies, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Environment Programme, UNICEF, World YMCA, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Generation Unlimited, Learning Economy Foundation, and the IFRC, who are all contributing to the Conference programme.

“World Scouting is one of the world’s most significant youth movements of our time. It prioritises meaningful youth participation and engagement while connecting local initiatives to global solidarity. Most importantly, Scouts worldwide are actively working within their communities to support the Sustainable Development Goals. At the United Nations, we value their voices and contributions, especially as the world looks for solutions to confront major challenges,” said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

The Conference will also make a number of decisions that will guide the movement for the next three-year triennium and beyond. Delegates will elect the members of the next World Scout Committee, and select the hosts for upcoming World Scout events, including the 44th World Scout Conference in 2027, the 17th World Scout Moot in 2029, and the 27th World Scout Jamboree in 2031. 

The opening ceremony will be held at the Qubba Presidential Palace, and feature remarks from prominent figures such as Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations who will speak to the significance of the Conference and the impact of the Scout Movement worldwide. The ceremony will also be attended by Ministers and Ambassadors representing member states and other high-profile guests including HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of long-standing partner Alwaleed Philanthropies, and Board Members of the World Scout Foundation, including HH Princess Sama Bint Faisal Al Saud.