GLB-C07-2026
Dear friends,
Each year, Safe from Harm week brings the global Scout movement together around a shared commitment to ensure that every child, young person, and adult can experience a safe and supportive environment through Scouting.
This year, Safe from Harm week will take place from 11 to 17 May, under the theme "Safeguarding Culture in Scouting." Building on the strategic priorities of the Strategy for Scouting, our focus this year is on embedding safeguarding as a practice that is understood, lived, and championed at every level of the Movement.
Throughout Safe from Harm week, each day will focus on a different thematic topic, which NSOs and Scout groups can use to guide their activities:
Monday, 11 May: Official opening of Safe from Harm week.
Tuesday, 12 May: afeguarding measures and resources, including policies and reporting procedures.
Wednesday, 13 May: Well-being and mental health, prioritising the holistic care of youth and volunteer members.
Thursday, 14 May: Safe spaces and a culture of protection under the principle of “Do No Harm.”
Friday, 15 May: Online safety with a focus on what cyberbullying is and how to prevent it.
Saturday, 16 May: Celebration of International Day of Living Together in Peace, focused on diversity and dialogue, through an engaging webinar with strategic partners.
Sunday, 17 May: Safeguarding and leadership campfire with National Leaders, International Commissioners, Chief Scouts, and Executive Directors.
The week will culminate in two online events. NSO leadership are invited to register for a global webinar on 16 May to celebrate International Day of Living Together in Peace. The webinar will explore what safe spaces for peaceful coexistence look like in practice, and reflect on how Scouting can support dialogue, understanding, and respect.
On 17 May, there will be an online safeguarding campfire for national Safe from Harm coordinators, chief commissioners, and national executives. This session will share good practices from around the world and provide key information on the Safe from Harm assessments and capacity-building modules. A registration link will be sent to NSOs shortly.
NSOs are encouraged to use the week to highlight and engage with Safe from Harm, and to promote, explore, and strengthen a culture of safeguarding at the national level. More details on how to get involved, including an activity guide with practical ideas and resources, as well as a new contest for Scout groups, are available on Treehouse.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about safeguarding tools and support for NSOs, please contact your regional Safe from Harm team member. Together, we can continue to build a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, making sure that Scouting remains a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all.
Yours in Scouting,
David Berg
Secretary General
World Scouting