United for Global Change at the Jamboree's Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul
In the heart of the 25th World Scout Jamboree, held in South Korea in August 2023, the Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul stood out as a vibrant and inclusive space where young people from around the world could discover the power of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and its dedicated partners.
Scouts for SDGs aims to create a global network to inspire and enable young people to take action on the issues they care about. The SDGs Ma-eul, generously supported in partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies, provided a physical space within the World Scout Jamboree campsite to facilitate learning and exchange on problem-solving and community action for a better world.
All about the Jamboree’s Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul
Through a visual journey, hands-on activities and campfire talks, the Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul was comprised of three large tents and an interactive outdoor exhibition showcasing Scouting's impactful contributions to sustainable development through Scouts for SDGs.
Every day throughout the Jamboree, an average of 1,000 Scouts immersed themselves in educational activities and learning opportunities about sustainable development in an atmosphere of fun and solidarity. Thanks to the efforts of more than 100 volunteers, the space remained safe and accessible for all participants throughout their time at the Jamboree.
Fun facts about the SDGs Ma-eul at the 25th World Scout Jamboree:
Workshops and campfire sessions showcased special guests, partners and Scouts coming together to share knowledge and experiences in the spirit of collaboration and global unity. Some topics explored included transforming education, fixing politics, cryptography, and youth in environmental action.
We were also pleased to welcome Mr. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, to the main tent for a welcome ceremony and an insightful campfire dialogue with Scouts!
Ruhi Rusabai, a Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul volunteer, loved the atmosphere: “I think the incredible energy of both the participants and the people involved in Ban Ki-moon was through the roof, that’s what recharged me, and that was my favourite part about the village.”
This special space within the campsite enabled young people to learn about global issues and get inspired to take action in their communities.
Partnerships Creating an Engaging SDGs Space for Scouts
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without collaboration - from the networks and friendships we build as individuals in our communities to cooperation between National Scout Organizations to the engagement of like-minded partners who share Scouting’s commitment to creating a better world.
What made the Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul truly successful was our collaboration with 10 partners including KAICIID, Islamic Relief, IFRC, WWF, FAO, UNHCR, UN Women, UNICEF, WHO and the World's Largest Lesson, as well as the World Scout Foundation. Our partners played a pivotal role in creating and delivering engaging educational activities and recognition that resonated with Scouts.
Digitising the Scouts for SDGs Experience
In addition to the Scouts for SDGs hub, Scouts now have access to a one-of-a-kind app called ScoutPass. Created with the support of the Ethereum Foundation, ScoutPass allows young people to claim their achievements in the first-ever digital wallet for Scouts. This includes claiming digital Scouts for SDGs badges as verifiable credentials, as well as membership and ID recognition for participation in official Scouting events and sending boosts to friends. ScoutPass is available for download on iOS and Android.
Creating a Better World with Scouts for SDGs
The Ban Ki-moon SDGs Ma-eul offered a glimpse into the potential of a united global community of Scouts dedicated to making a difference in their communities and the world at large. In this young, cheerful and inspirational space, the future of sustainable development looks brighter than ever.
Scouts are no strangers to taking action in their communities. In fact, we have already logged nearly 3 billion hours of community service on the Scouts for SDGs hub. The hub offers a central space for young people to get inspired by projects around the world, submit their own stories, take on challenges and earn digital badges. Adults in Scouting and National Scout Organizations can also use the Scouts for SDGs hub to access resources to implement challenges and activities with young people.
Join us to continue building on this collective impact and a world of possibilities by joining Scouts for SDGs as a Scout, Adult Leader, NSO or partner.
