Emirates Scout Association Hosts The 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum Focused On Digital Leadership

The 6th Arab Scout Youth Forum commenced at Yas Conference Centre, Abu Dhabi. Running from 9th to 14th November, the event is themed "Ready for the Digital Life… With Arab Scout Leadership". It brings together Scouts aged 18 to 26 from 19 Arab nations. Participants will share experiences and influence the future of Arab Scouting through leadership, technology, and community engagement training.

Dr. Salem Abdulrahman Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Emirates Scout Association and Vice-Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, highlighted the UAE's commitment to youth empowerment. He noted that specialised programmes were crafted to integrate technological knowledge with leadership and social innovation. This reflects the UAE’s dedication to preparing young leaders for future challenges.

Dr. Hany Abdel Monem, Secretary-General of the Arab Scout Organisation, described the Forum as a pivotal platform for shaping Arab Scouting's future. The focus is on digital transformation, governance, and enhancing youth participation. This strategic approach aims to align traditional Scouting values with modern digital advancements.

Noor Al Hassani, Chair of the Forum, expressed pride in being the first Emirati and Gulf woman in this role. Her leadership underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering young people and women on both regional and international stages. This milestone reflects broader efforts towards gender equality in leadership roles.

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) praised its collaboration with the UAE and the Arab Scout Region. They commended the UAE's ongoing investment in youth development and support for sustainable growth. Such partnerships are crucial for fostering a robust environment for youth empowerment.

The Forum includes a cultural programme supported by several Abu Dhabi government entities. Participants will visit significant sites like teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba. These visits aim to enrich participants' cultural understanding alongside their leadership training.

Youth Representation and Future Goals

A key aspect of the Forum is electing six Youth Advisors who will represent young voices on the Arab Scout Committee from 2026 to 2028. This initiative ensures that youth perspectives are integral to decision-making processes within Arab Scouting organisations.

The Forum seeks to bridge traditional Scouting principles with digital age demands. It aims to produce strategic recommendations guiding Arab Scouting towards a sustainable future driven by innovation. This approach ensures that Scouting remains relevant in an ever-evolving world.

The event signifies a significant step towards integrating technology with traditional values in Scouting across Arab countries. By fostering leadership skills among young Scouts, it prepares them for future challenges while maintaining core Scouting principles.

With inputs from WAM