About the gathering
The Emirates Scout Association, in collaboration with the World Scouting Arab Support Centre, invites National Scout Organizations to nominate young Rovers to participate in the 11th International Scout Gathering, taking place from 21 to 30 January 2027 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Under the theme “Scouting and AI”, the gathering will bring together Rovers aged 18–25 from around the world to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Scouting.
Through shared learning, cultural exchange, and international networking, participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, build friendships, and explore how emerging technologies can support the future of Scouting.
Each participating country may be represented by one selected Rover.
1. Who can participate?
NSOs are invited to nominate up to five Rovers who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: Be between 18 and 25 years old at the time of the gathering, with a date of birth between 21 January 2002 and 21 January 2009, as specified by the organisers
- Membership: Be a registered member of their National Scout Organization
- Scouting experience: Have relevant experience in Scouting at a national or regional level that they can share with other participants
- Interest and motivation: Demonstrate a strong interest in cultural exchange, international cooperation, and learning from other Scouts
- Language: Have a good command of English to communicate effectively and share experiences with other participants
- Official nomination: Be formally nominated and endorsed by their NSO
2. How to submit nominations
NSOs in the Africa Scout Region may nominate up to five eligible Rovers for consideration. All nominations must be submitted to the World Scouting Africa Support Centre by 20 November 2026.
Each nomination must include:
- Completed registration form: Officially stamped by the NSO
- Passport copy: A clear, colour-scanned copy of the nominee's passport, valid until at least 1 September 2027
- Passport photograph: A recent colour photograph measuring 4 × 6 cm, with a white background. The photograph must be scanned using a scanner. Photographs taken with a mobile phone will not be accepted
- Motivation statement: A one-page statement explaining the nominee's interest in participating and the experiences they hope to share or gain
- Official nomination letter: A letter on the NSO's official letterhead, signed and stamped, confirming its endorsement of the nominee
Submit nominations to:
Email: [email protected]
Copy: [email protected]
Deadline: 20 November 2026. NSOs are encouraged to ensure that all required documents are complete and submitted by the deadline.
3. Selection of participants
The World Scouting Africa Support Centre will review nominations received from NSOs in the Africa Scout Region and select the most suitable candidates based on the eligibility criteria and supporting documents.
Although each NSO may nominate up to five Rovers, only one Rover per selected country may participate in the gathering. The Africa Support Centre will communicate the selection outcomes and next steps to the relevant NSOs.
4. Key dates and venue
| Activity | Date |
| Nomination deadline | 20 November 2026 |
| Arrival in Sharjah | 21 January 2027 |
| Gathering activities | 22–30 January 2027 |
| Departure from Sharjah | 31 January 2027 |
5. Travel and financial arrangements
The organisers will provide travel support for one selected Rover from each participating NSO in the Africa Scout Region, subject to the final selection and approval process.
The following arrangements apply:
- Air travel: The organisers will cover the cost of a return economy-class air ticket, up to a maximum of USD 2,000 per selected participant
- Ticket arrangements: The Emirates Scout Association will arrange and issue the approved air tickets through the respective NSOs before the gathering
- Additional expenses: Participants will be responsible for any costs associated with extending their stay before or after the official event dates
6. Visa arrangements
The Emirates Scout Association will arrange the necessary entry visas for all approved participants.
To support the visa application process, NSOs must ensure that each nominee submits:
- A clear, colour-scanned copy of a valid passport
- A recent colour passport photograph
- A completed and officially stamped registration form
All documents must meet the requirements outlined in Section 2.
7. Contact and further information
For questions, NSOs in the Africa Scout Region may contact the World Scouting Africa Support Centre.
Email: [email protected]
Copy: [email protected]