Scout Leaders meet in Ciudad del Este to make decisions for the future

More than 180 leaders from 32 countries of the Americas are meeting in Paraguay for the 28th Interamerican Scout Conference, where decisions will be made on the future of young Scouts throughout the Region.

The four-day event convenes every three years and shapes the Region's policy and strategy. Under the theme "Meet Reconnect Recover", participants are coming together to make key decisions about the direction and future of Scouting in the Americas and share experiences with each other.

Over the next four days, delegates will look back on the accomplishments of the 2018-2022 triennium, as well as how Scouting transformed in the wake of the pandemic and post-pandemic period, how it affected young people, and how we must adjust our educational proposal to meet current needs.

Participants were welcomed in Ciudad del Este. A flag parade with local Scouts signaled the beginning of the Conference.

This was followed by welcoming words from the World Organization of the Scout Movement authorities: Andy Chapman - World Scout Chairman; Ahmad Alhendawi - Secretary General of the Scout Movement; Daniel Corsen -Chairman of the Interamerican Scout Committee - and Raúl Sánchez Vaca - Executive Director of the Interamerican Scout Region.

An event of national interest

Among the local authorities invited was the senator of the Republic of Paraguay, Georgina María Arrua de Dolinsky, who encouraged citizens to continue participating in organizations that encourage citizens to become committed to values such as loyalty, kindness, and protection of nature.

First hybrid Conference

Thirty participants are connecting virtually, an innovation that allows us to connect from the most remote places in the Americas. Each of the participants is living a unique experience of reconnection with the values and principles of Scouting. Each session has been planned to include activities that can be experienced face-to-face and via computer.

Partnerships

The Interamerican Scout Foundation is making it possible for people under 30 to participate as delegates in their National Scout Organizations. On 25 November, there will be a visit to the Itaipu Dam to visualise the greatness of joint work between nations.

As with all Scouting events, the health and safety of participants is our top priority. Strict protective measures have been implemented for the event, including mandatory “Safe from Harm” courses and a dedicated team available to respond to safety issues.