Why the 44th World Scout Conference matters to us all

In less than two years’ time, UK Scouts will welcome representatives from 176 National Scout Organisations to London for the 44th World Scout Conference. Together, these delegates will carry the hopes, ambitions and priorities of more than 60 million Scouts worldwide.

For us, this is a once in a generation opportunity to influence the future direction of our global movement and celebrate the values that unite us.

A global movement with impact

In 2024, I had the privilege of joining the UK delegation to the 43rd World Scout Conference in Cairo. It wasn’t a sightseeing trip or a week of ceremonial speeches. It was a pivotal moment in our movement’s history.

The decisions we took and the conversations we had will shape Scouts for years to come. Specifically, they helped inform the Strategy for World Scouting launched last year. 

What struck me most was how deeply connected we are as Scouts, to one another, even across vast distances and diverse experiences.

Shared values across the Commonwealth

In Cairo, we spent valuable time with friends from across the Commonwealth, reflecting on our shared culture and our common challenges. We also expressed our collective aim to see young people connect and learn from one another. Whether you’re a Scout in Birmingham or Barbados, we found the same passion for service, adventure and global citizenship.

As we listened to Scouts from the Maldives and Belize, the impacts of climate change became painfully real; rising sea levels, more frequent storms and disappearing coastlines. We only need to think of the recent hurricane that hit Jamaica to be reminded of that. But we also heard stories of hope.

Young people are rolling up their sleeves, leading adaptation projects, championing sustainability and building a generation of #PlanetChampions. That spirit of action is something every Scout in our movement can be proud of.

Standing up for peace in times of conflict

Some of the most moving moments came from our conversations with Scouts in Palestine. Amid the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, they’re providing water, running community kitchens, teaching survival skills and offering vital support to children and families.

These conversations continued at the European Scout Conference in Austria, where we also heard from Scouts in Israel. Again, we listened to powerful examples of Scouts supporting local communities during times of grave pain and loss; from delivering supplies to offering emotional support. We heard stories of Muslim, Jewish and Christian Scouts working together to promote the value of peace and unity.

In Sudan, where conflict has persisted for many years, Scouts continue to provide vital support to local communities, including to children and adults displaced by the devastating floods of 2024 and ongoing violence. Scouts have helped rebuild lives, restore dignity and strengthen communities. 

These examples reminded our delegation that we have fellow Scouts living our Promise in the most difficult circumstances. Their courage shows us what it truly means to be a Scout.

Why does all this matter?

In 1907, our Founder, Robert Baden-Powell, brought 20 young people together on Brownsea Island, sparking a movement that now spans every corner of the globe. We have over 600,000 members here and continue our ambitions for young people to join our movement.

In 2027, 120 years on, the world will return to the UK. Delegations of Scouts, representing each nation, including the UK, will gather in London, put on their neckers and shape the future of our global movement. It will be both an honour and a responsibility.

Your role in the journey

Over the next two years, we’ll be sharing updates, stories and opportunities to get involved. From supporting the event to helping our delegation understand the priorities of young people across the UK, British Scouting Overseas and the Overseas Territories, there’ll be many ways to contribute.

Most importantly, we want to make sure your voice is heard. Our delegation, which will be made up of six people, will be working to make sure young people shape our mandate for change; clear, confident and rooted in the values we share.

This'll be our moment, our opportunity, our chance to welcome the world and show our committed to a stronger, more unified movement.

Let’s make this a moment that inspires futures generations for the next 120 years.

Find out more about the World Scout Conference and follow the journey to London on social media. Follow us @ScoutConf on Instagram or on Facebook.