Scouting and the Sustainable Development Goals
One of the key topics featured on the second day of the 13th World Scout Youth Forum was the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how they are relevant to Scouting.
This panel session invited leaders and young people in Scouting to discuss important issues and trends affecting the world and our daily lives today and in the future.
Scouting, as one of the world’s leading educational youth movements, contributes most effectively towards (the SDG) ‘Goal 4: Quality education’ through its non-formal education that empowers young people to develop their full potential.
Additionally, with the Movement reaching and engaging over 40 million Scouts and young people around the world as active citizens, it is perfectly positioned to not only support the achievement of many SDGs but accelerate the progress as well.
Scouting, since its inception 110 years ago, started with the mission to respond and address the needs of the community. Throughout the world, Scouts work towards creating positive change and establishing peace in their communities in many ways – from imparting social entrepreneurial skills; advocating gender equality, peace, human rights and environmental conservation; to facilitating conflict resolution; and providing emergency response.
Unknowingly, these positive actions contribute towards SDGs such as:
● Goal 1: No poverty
● Goal 2: Zero hunger
● Goal 4: Quality education
● Goal 5: Gender equality
● Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
● SDG 13: Climate action
“The Scouts can be the organisation that can mobilise the largest number of young people towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. ‘I hope that all Scouts and young people taking positive steps to create a positive impact in their communities recognise that they are contributing towards achieving the SDGs. I believe that they are helping to drive and hasten the progress as well!’
Following the panel discussion at the Forum, the participants agreed to explore ideas and concrete actions aligned to the SDGs that can be implemented in their communities back home.