Growing Scouting and engaging young people in the United Arab Emirates
With a long-term vision to grow and become more active in the community, the National Scout Organization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have set their sights on a transformative journey to increase the number of young people involved in Scouting.
To reach this goal the Emirates Scouts Association is implementing a range of initiatives that will leave a lasting impact, and enable the growth of Scouting within the UAE.
One such groundbreaking initiative is a new mandate from the Emirates Schools Establishment which will require schools across the country to establish registered Scout groups affiliated with the Emirates Scout Association, placing Scouting at the core of educational institutions.
The National Scout Organization has also played a key role in fostering inclusivity and youth empowerment by bringing 150 young people together, including “people of determination”, from 25 countries to experience the inaugural National Scout Youth Forum held at the Youth Pavilion during Expo 2020 in Dubai. The event generated widespread coverage, and helped position Scouting among key world leaders, government officials and decision-makers.
Scouting in the United Arab Emirates is also championing change through the launch of a multi-year strategy focused on the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination. The strategy aims to offer a framework to ensure meaningful integration and empowerment of people of determination within the Scouting community.
Through these impactful initiatives, inclusive practices, and strategic planning, the Emirates Scout Association is poised for growth and paving the way for positive change by creating opportunities for more young people to experience and benefit from Scouting’s transformative educational offering.
The project was implemented as part of the Scouts for SDGs global initiative, thanks to the longstanding support and partnership of Alwaleed Philanthropies via the World Scout Foundation. Scouts for SDGs enables young people with skills for life and empowers them to take the lead in community development efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
