Dear friends,

As part of the process to develop a new Vision and Strategy for Scouting, we are excited to announce the launch of a global consultation with 50,000 young people from 150 countries, that will support the creation of a forward-looking roadmap for the future of our Movement.

Through Youth Talks, a global initiative from the Higher Education for Good Foundation in collaboration with World Scouting, we will be reaching out to young people aged 15 to 29 to invite them to share ideas and opinions about their aspirations for the future, and actively take part in shaping our Movement for years to come.

The innovative consultation process will set a new standard for large-scale youth engagement in decision-making, and use the latest research methods and technologies to gather and analyse input from young people across the Scout Movement and around the world.

This global youth consultation, as part of Strategy for Scouting’s research phase, will enable us to better understand the impact of Vision 2023 on Scouting, assess new and emerging trends affecting young people, and plan where we want to go in the future. The consultation will also collect feedback on how to co-create educational systems and societies that are more inclusive, equitable and sustainable. 

To involve as many young people and volunteers as possible from all Regions in this consultation effort, we invite the leadership of National Scout Organizations (NSOs) to:

• Promote the survey available in six languages with members aged 15 to 29 and encourage them to share their ideas and opinions.
   
• Share the activities developed by the Youth Talks team with Scout leaders to engage young people in discussion and reflection.
   
• Use the package of communications materials and graphics to promote the global youth consultation.

Scouts will have their first opportunity to engage in the consultation during JOTA-JOTI taking place this coming weekend. In addition to the consultation, which will be open until the end of January 2023, we have also developed a dedicated web presence for the Strategy for Scouting to share regular updates and opportunities for engagement. Over the next few months, we will be conducting a series of focus groups with young people of all ages (including Scouts below the age of 15), adult volunteers, and NSO leadership to further inform the development of our new Vision and Strategy for Scouting. 

If you have any further questions, please contact Pauline Grangette, staff support for the Strategy Group, by email at pauline.grangette@scout.org. 

Yours in Scouting,

Ahmad Alhendawi

Secretary General

World Organization of the Scout Movement