GLB-C08-2024
Over the next decade, Scouting will continue to strengthen efforts that build resilient communities by educating and empowering young people to adapt, mitigate, and take action on climate change, leading by example and advocate for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and positive impact both locally and globally.
To advance this agenda, and in alignment with Resolution 2021-08, the World Scout Committee (WSC) established a taskforce to develop a Climate Impact Strategy outlining clear and measurable goals to significantly strengthen environmental sustainability practices towards achieving climate neutrality of WOSM’s operations by the 46th World Scout Conference in 2033.
The Climate Impact Strategy applies to WOSM operations at a global and regional level, which includes the World Scout Bureau’s operations and WOSM volunteer structures. The strategy was developed through a comprehensive consultation process involving stakeholders and experts from National Scout Organizations (NSOs), internal WOSM structures as well as external experts and partners in the field of environmental sustainability. The development process also included a baseline study of WOSM’s emissions, and ensured that environmental sustainability is a key ambition in the proposed next Strategy for Scouting.
Due to the scope and complexity of climate-related actions across many aspects of WOSM’s operations, the WSC decided to mainstream climate actions organisation-wide rather than focus them as a stand-alone WOSM Service. While change will take time, among early deliverables and progress include:
- Hiring of dedicated staff to assess our carbon footprint and streamline data collection through a digital tool to automate the process.
GSAT 3.0 review and development to ensure specific targets on sustainability.
Review to the guidelines for World Events and support on future requirements to event bidders and hosts in the area of sustainability.
Advocacy and partnerships activity, including a position statement on sustainability to ensure alignment on our external messaging and policies.
Strong focus on environmental sustainability in the next Strategy for Scouting.
Fostering environmental awareness and action through educational programmes and initiatives, such as Earth Tribe, Scouts for SDGs, and SCENES.
Furthermore, a dedicated page on Treehouse has been launched that outlines the Movement’s collective progress in sustainability and environmental awareness, celebrates past and present accomplishments, and provides links to guidance and best practices to support NSO actions and policies in this area.
The new Climate Impact Strategy and concrete actions outlined represents a significant milestone for World Scouting and reflects the progress we are making towards enhancing our environmental sustainability. We look forward to working with NSOs to learn, share best practice, and improve our work as we continue to drive this agenda forward to achieve our goal of climate neutrality by 2033.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Yours in Scouting,
Ahmad Alhendawi
Secretary General
World Organization of the Scout Movement