GLB-C21-2023
We are pleased to share that the World Scout Committee (WSC) has approved a series of actions to enhance youth engagement in decision-making and implement additional measures to strengthen youth engagement in the WSC. The decision was based on positive progress made as a Movement in this area and continued consultations with stakeholders, in line with Conference Resolution 2021-07 on the Youth Advisor system and youth involvement in decision-making.
A comprehensive report detailing these decisions, along with input from consultations, can be found in the WSC's Youth Engagement in Decision-Making report.
Efforts are also underway, or planned for the upcoming Triennium, to promote effective and sustainable youth leadership in decision-making within Scouting. These actions, outlined on a dedicated page on Treehouse, centre around advancing the story around youth engagement, improving the qualitative approach to monitoring youth engagement, and fostering intergenerational leadership within WOSM.
The WSC has also approved a series of additional measures to further strengthen youth engagement in the WSC itself, including:
- A training programme for potential WSC candidates.
- Methods to encourage NSOs to nominate candidates below the age of 30.
- A second deadline for WSC nominations to encourage a diverse nomination pool.
- A mentorship program for WSC members.
- A continuous monitoring process, involving NSOs, to ensure youth representation in the WSC.
With the above actions and additional measures in place, the WSC has now decided to discontinue the World Youth Advisor system as of the 2024-2027 Triennium.
It is important to note that the World Scout Conference has always considered the World Youth Advisor system as a transition measure towards greater youth involvement in decision-making. The 2017-2021 WSC further expressed its intent, through Conference Resolution 2021-07, to discontinue the World Youth Advisor system because it believed the system, while a positive step for youth engagement, is no longer ideal for holistic and sustainable youth engagement in the WSC.
The decision represents a significant milestone for World Scouting and reflects the progress made in advancing youth engagement in decision-making. We extend our appreciation to the generations of Youth Advisors for their strong commitment and contributions to empower young people and set a shining example for meaningful youth engagement within the WSC and our Movement.
If you have any additional questions, please visit our Treehouse webpage as well as our support article with questions and answers on the decisions of the WSC, or contact Carla Simōes, Director for Youth Programme with the World Scout Bureau by email at [email protected].
Yours in Scouting,
Ahmad Alhendawi
Secretary General
World Organization of the Scout Movement