From 30 September to 4 October, 52 participants from 28 countries gathered in Gdańsk, Poland, for the European Communications Forum 2026. Joined by nine members of the planning team and the World Scout Jamboree 2027 Planning Team, participants exchanged experiences, built practical skills, and prepared for the communications challenges facing Scouting across Europe.
The Forum offered two learning streams tailored to participants’ roles. Contingent communications representatives preparing for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027 focused on developing communications plans, identifying audiences and channels, and beginning to create content for the year ahead. Sessions covered social media, media relations, and volunteer management, helping participants connect with peers and prepare for the event, which will gather more than 50,000 Scouts from around the world in less than 300 days.
Meanwhile, staff and volunteers from European National Scout Organizations and National Scout Associations strengthened their crisis communications skills. They worked on preparing crisis communications plans, managing internal and external stakeholders, and developing clear, consistent messaging. Through practical exercises and simulations, participants explored how to respond to challenging situations and communicate effectively when it matters most.
Both learning streams came together for shared evening activities and a live spokesperson simulation, putting participants in front of a camera to practise communicating under pressure.
For Tereza Kubálková, Deputy Press Officer at Junák – Czech Scouting, the opportunity to learn from others was one of the Forum’s highlights:
“It was wonderful to be able to discuss similar issues with them, to find inspiration, to listen to their experience. […] Kind of stressful to think about all the crises which might happen, but it’s also very useful, and I’m really grateful.”
By bringing together communications professionals and volunteers from across Europe, the Forum strengthened connections, shared knowledge, and built confidence to communicate effectively, whether preparing for a major international event or responding to a crisis.
The European Communications Forum 2026 was held with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.