How Scouting empowered me to become a UN Youth Delegate

Over the past year, Ilka Essig has served as the German Youth Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. Her journey in leadership began early, as she immersed herself in scouting at the age of ten, actively engaging in national and international scouting events. In 2020, she assumed the role of International Commissioner within the Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (VCP) e.V. Scout Association, further solidifying her dedication to fostering international collaboration and understanding.

Notably, Ilka contributed significantly to the Youth Engagement Task Force from 2022 to 2023, where she played a role in integrating youth perspectives into decision-making processes across all levels of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Today, she is a member of the project on Youth Leadership in Decision-Making. Volunteers like her ensured that youth engagement was prioritised and structurally and effectively incorporated into the fabric of WOSM's governance.

Can you share your journey in the Scout movement and how you became involved as an International Commissioner?

I joined the Scouts at age ten and soon realised my passion for the broader movement. This led me to participate in events across the world, including national Jamborees, Roverway, World Scout Jamboree, international leadership trainings, and many more. With this rich international Scouting experience, I seized the opportunity to become an International Commissioner (IC) trainee in 2020, eventually assuming the role for a German Scout Association. This journey has enabled me to contribute to the global scouting community and enhance my leadership skills in an international context.

Currently, you’re also a UN Youth Delegate. Can you reflect on any aspects of your scouting experience that have contributed to your preparation and success in this role?

As a UN Youth Delegate, I aim to engage young people in United Nations decision-making processes and inspire youth to become active global citizens who work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Scouting has significantly contributed to empowering me as a young leader, built my capacity to work with young people and shaped my understanding of international affairs.

How does your experience as a Scout influence your approach to international relations within the UN framework?

Both the United Nations and the Scout movement work towards a better world. My scouting experience has provided me with values and principles that profoundly shape my approach to international relations within the UN framework. Scouting emphasises cooperation, understanding, and respect for diversity, fostering a global perspective that transcends cultural and national boundaries. This perspective guides my commitment to collaborative problem-solving, recognising the interconnected nature of global challenges. Moreover, I believe in the power of young people and advocate for youth leadership in decision-making, as this leads to more inclusive and sustainable solutions for everyone.

In what ways do you believe the Scout movement contributes to global cooperation and understanding among youth?

Within scouting, young people can get to know each other through various international events that broaden their perspectives and foster cultural exchange. Our shared values create a common ground for young people from different countries and cultures to connect and collaborate towards common goals. Together, we leave the world slightly better than we found it.

Considering the current global landscape, what key obstacles do young people encounter, and in what ways can scouting contribute to advancing the United Nations' goals at the grassroots level?

In a world full of challenges, young people are exposed to limited access to education, unemployment and economic challenges, social injustice and inequality, mental health struggles, and climate crises. Scouting can contribute to advancing the United Nations' goals – fostering peace, human rights, and sustainable development – at the grassroots level through non-formal education. Our youth programme equips young people with skills to address these obstacles and promotes community engagement, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future for young people worldwide.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals for furthering youth engagement and participation in international affairs through the Scout movement and the UN?

As a mentor for the upcoming World Scout Conference, I aim to empower the new German youth delegates, facilitating their meaningful engagement on the global stage. I am committed to sharing knowledge and skills with the emerging generation of youth leaders. This commitment extends to my involvement with the United Nations, where the incoming UN Youth Delegates for Germany can rely on my support whenever needed. Recognising that meaningful youth engagement entails dedicated preparation and support, I am ready to embark on the journey ahead!