The Scout Movement at the 2026 YMCA World Council

At the 21st YMCA World Council, held under the theme "Transform", around 1,400 leaders from more than 100 countries came together to explore how youth organisations can transform communities and build a better future. The Scout Movement was there as part of the Big 6 alliance.

The Scout Movement's delegation included Diana Carrillo, Regional Director of the Interamerican Scout Region, and Adam Peach, youth representative of the Interamerican Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Together, they took part in sessions, conversations, and meetings that explored strategic partnerships for World Scouting.

In two high-level panels on the relevance of youth organisations and youth leadership as drivers of change, the Scout Movement brought a clear message: young people need to feel safe to participate, and safety, belonging, and trust are the foundations of meaningful participation. "The future of youth organisations is not about finding better ways to serve young people—it is about building organisations where they belong, are valued, and genuinely share the responsibility of shaping the future," said Diana Carrillo during her participation. In the Scout Movement, we are clear that making youth leadership the norm does not mean creating more symbolic spaces, but intentionally building the confidence, opportunities, mentorship, and agency that allow young people to lead throughout their lives, in many different ways.

The gathering was also a space to discuss the future of education and the role of youth movements in building life skills. In the context of the Post-2030 Agenda consultation, non-formal education emerged as a key tool for preparing new generations to face the challenges of today's world. The Scout Movement, with its educational offer centred on learning by doing, service, and leadership, has much to contribute to this global conversation.

The event was also an opportunity to connect with partners from around the world who share common interests with the Scout Movement. "Even though we came from different countries, cultures, and organisations, I felt that we were all there for the same reason: to support young people and help build a better world," Adam shared at the end of the week. What he discovered in Toronto was not only inspiring — it was a reminder of how much the Scout Movement has in common with other organisations that share the same dedication to youth leadership, belonging, inclusion, and service.

The Scout Movement arrived in Toronto with a clear position and left with new conversations open. Because building the future that young people deserve is not the work of any single organisation.