The Communications Forum 2026 is a three-day international networking and learning event (five days including travel) hosted in Poland by the ZHP (Polish Scouting and Guiding Association). It brings together communications staff and volunteers from National Scout Organizations and Associations across the European Scout Region to strengthen skills, exchange knowledge, and build resilience in an era of mass communication and rapid digital transformation, ahead of Scouting’s biggest in-person event.
The forum focuses on practical learning, collaboration, and preparing participants for major international communication challenges. Through workshops, training sessions, and peer exchange, attendees can tailor their learning journey while connecting with a wider European network of communicators.
Aim and objectives
Two learning paths
1. Crisis Communications
This track will help NSOs/NSAs develop effective crisis communication strategies. Participants will:
- Understand different types and levels of crises.
- Learn how to manage internal stakeholders and external communications in digital environments.
- Create a structured crisis communications plan using a template, including a clear first-24-hours response protocol.
- Take part in simulation exercises to practice real-time crisis response.
Alongside the educational programme, participants will have opportunities to discover scouting in Poland and explore the historic city of Gdańsk.
2. World Scout Jamboree Communications
Focused on preparation for the World Scout Jamboree 2027, this learning path gathers communications volunteers and staff from participating European contingents. Participants will:
- Explore the event’s brand, messaging, and audiences.
- Develop and refine communications plans covering social media, media relations, coordination, and multimedia coverage.
- Visit the future campsite to gain first-hand insight into the setting and logistical planning.
- Participate in spokesperson and media-interaction activities.
- Share lessons learned from previous Jamborees and establish working methods with the host organisation for ongoing collaboration.
Dates and venue
Arrivals are expected by 17:00 CEST on 30 September 2026, and departures are expected from the venue from 11:00 CEST on 4 October 2026.
Participants profile
Participants must be 18 or older at the time of the event to attend. We especially encourage the participation of members aged under 30.
Participants should be available for the entire event and willing to take part in pre-event learning. To get the most out of the experience, participants can look forward to full days of engagement throughout the event.
Due to the two learning paths, we are looking for two participant profiles (one per NSO/NSA eligible for each path):
- Volunteers and staff active at the national level are involved in crisis communications management.
Volunteers and staff who are or will be in charge of the communications for their contingent during the World Scout Jamboree 2027.
Language
The working language of the Communications Forum 2026 is English to facilitate all exchanges among participants. Being able to communicate in English effectively is essential to participating.
Participation fee
Thanks to generous funding from the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe, we will have a reduced participation fee of EUR 50 100 for the full length of the event (covering accommodation in twin rooms, all meals and tea/coffee breaks from dinner on 30 September 2026 to breakfast on 4 October 2026, and additional programme expenses).
We’re working on securing additional funding to lower the participation fee and potentially provide complementary travel support. More logistical information will be sent to registered participants in due time.
Registration
Applications for participation can be completed using the online registration form. Please complete the form before 31 May 2026. We aim to select up to 60 participants from across the European Scout Region. The participants will be informed by the end of June 2026. Please do not arrange for travel before hearing back from the organising team.
Visa and travel arrangements
Confirmed participants will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Please DO NOT book your travel to the event until you receive a confirmation letter from the European Scout Region, which will provide more information about the logistics. Please let us know in the event’s online registration form if you need a visa to access Poland.
Once the organising team confirms your participation, participants are requested to communicate with their National Scout Organization and coordinate their travel arrangements.
As per the decision of the European Scout Committee, reserves are to provide financial support to National Scout Organizations in their participation in our regional events. Additional financial support will be made available to National Scout Organizations that require it. Any National Scout Organization requiring this support can summarise their request through the event’s online registration form.
Cancellation policy
If you are unable to attend, participants are not entitled to any financial support, even if they have already booked their travel or visa.
If you withdraw your participation less than two weeks before the event, you may be liable for any costs incurred.
Insurance
The European Scout Region of World Scouting does not cover participants' risks during the event or travel to or from the venue. Please note that it is the exclusive responsibility of the participant’s national association to ensure that the participant's risks are covered by insurance (illness, accidents, repatriation, etc.).
More Information and Contact
We look forward to connecting and learning with your Communications staff and volunteers. If you have any questions, you can send them to Júlia Pérez Lema via [email protected].