Impact, Inspiration and New Connections at the Moot
We joined the recent World Scout Moot in Portugal to build awareness of the World Scout Foundation and BP Fellowship, and engage with dynamic youth leaders. We left with renewed hope, deeply inspired by this living example of youth leadership, global unity, shared purpose and the power of Scouting to bring people together and transcend any language or cultural barriers.
The World Scout Moot brought together thousands of Scouts aged 18 to 25 and volunteers from 117 countries who participated in an exciting and engaging programme through Portugal’s landscapes, cultures and communities. They celebrated diversity and shared values, built critical skills and created lifelong memories. Against the backdrop of growing fragmentation worldwide, the Moot served as a reminder that Scouting is about unity, not division.
Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, addressed participants in a recorded message, praising Scouts for their role in shaping a fairer world.
“Being a Scout means building bridges in a world that doesn't want to build bridges; building peace in the world where we have so many walls; trying to build justice and fairness in a world where fairness and justice are not obvious … That's being a Scout”, he said.
Our booth in the “Ready for Life” World Scouting tent engaged Scouts from around the world in activities to discover the World Scout Foundation, learn about the BP Fellowship and how we support World Scouting. Scouts, supporters of Scouting and BP Fellows involved in the Moot stopped by to exchange with our Board Member Jenn Hancock, Committee Member Luke Saunders and Fundraising Officer Flor Cagliero, and we welcomed another 5 new BP Fellows and 15 new Young BP Fellows who joined during the Moot!
We were especially excited to meet Saudi Girl Scouts who joined the Moot with our Board Member HH Princess Sama bint Faisal Al Saud, also the Head of the Girl Scout Committee of the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association. The participation of these young women was made possible via the strong support of Alwaleed Philanthropies, through our long-standing partnership alongside World Scouting and the Saudi Arabia Scouts Association to develop Scouting for girls in universities and higher education institutions. Learn more about their Moot discovery in this video produced by Alwaleed Philanthropies:
Our Board Member HH Princess Sama then joined Jenn and Flor at our Reception for BP Fellows, Heads of Contingents and supporters of the Foundation, sharing strategic insights on the Foundation’s work to support World Scouting, connecting with new and long-standing BP Fellows and friends, and officially welcoming the newest BP Fellows.
HH Princess Sama also spoke at the “Women in Leadership” campfire panel alongside World Scout Committee Chairperson and WSF Board Member Daniël Corsen and Dr. Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, reinforcing the power of youth voices to shape a fairer world. She then addressed the closing ceremony alongside World Scouting’s new Secretary General David Berg (also a Foundation Board Member) sharing her experiences of the power of Scouting, of small acts which add up to make a difference, building a more sustainable, peaceful and inclusive world.
Changing the world doesn’t require big gestures. It starts with small, consistent efforts. As Scouts, that’s what we do. We show up, we serve. We create impact, not with noise, but with dedication. [...] You can make a difference, you can engage, even when the world feels uncertain, unfair or unbalanced, you have the opportunity and the potential to make it better, one small action at a time.”
HH Princess Sama bint Faisal Al Saud, Board Member, World Scout Foundation
World Scouting’s Secretary General, David Berg, reflected on how vital the Movement has become in today’s world. He urged participants to take the memories, ideas, and friendships from the Moot and turn that energy into action.
“Make the difference and engage because our world needs more Scouts like you.”
Our thanks to all the BP Fellows who generously enabled the Ready for Life World Scouting tent and supported the engaging, practical activities ran in this space during the Moot to understand and act on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Warm thanks to all of our volunteers, BP Fellows and supporters who ran and enjoyed our Moot activities!
Learn more about the World Scout Moot:
- Enjoy our photo gallery of the reception
- World Scouting news: From paths to personal growth: How the Moot is uniting Scouts worldwide
- World Scouting news: Scouts reunite in Porto for Moot’s spectacular closing ceremony
Join the BP Felowship. The BP Fellowship is a unique network of passionate supporters and donors of Scouting of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and cultures, and from every walk of life! Interested in joining? Find out more here.
About the World Scout Moot The World Scout Moot is an international gathering for Scouts aged 18 to 25, promoting cultural exchange, leadership, and adventure. The 16th World Scout Moot was organised by the Scout Federation of Portugal in partnership with World Scouting, and supported by governmental and local entities.
Content and photo credits: World Scout Foundation; World Scouting; Jonathan Law