The 31st Arab Scout Conference continues its activities in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 16 November / WAM / The 31st Arab Scouting Conference continued its work today in the capital, Abu Dhabi, with the participation of delegations from 17 Arab Scouting Associations to discuss the future of Arab Scouting in the coming years, and to enhance its educational and leadership role in building generations.

The conference sessions – which began yesterday and will continue until November 21 – witness the approval of the movement’s general policies, the adoption of the next Arab strategy, the election of the Arab Scout Committee, the review of financial and administrative reports, in addition to the adoption of joint programs and initiatives that contribute to the development of the Arab Scout system and enhance its role in the development of youth and communities.

His Excellency Dr. Salem Abdul Rahman Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Scouts Association, Vice Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, and President of the Conference, said that holding the conference in Abu Dhabi is an extension of an honorable journey that the UAE began more than three decades ago, specifically since its hosting of the 18th Arab Scout Conference in 1988 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul. Today, we renew this pledge to reflect to the world our country’s commitment. Established in supporting the Arab Scout Movement and empowering Arab youth.

His Excellency added that the world is witnessing rapid transformations in the fields of technology and communication, which requires the Scouting movement to be more prepared and innovative, hence the slogan of the conference (Ready for digital life… led by Arab Scouting), to express a strategic direction towards developing the Arab Scouting work system, enhancing digital skills, and empowering young people to be active partners in the future of their societies.

He stressed that the efforts made by the UAE in supporting scouts and youth are not fleeting efforts, but rather a sustainable approach adopted by the wise leadership, which sees in youth the real wealth and the first guarantee for the continuation of the development process. Today, this vision is evident in providing a pioneering organizational environment for the conference, and fruitful cooperation between government agencies and national institutions in Abu Dhabi to support the work of the conference and facilitate the participation of Arab delegations.

He thanked all Arab Scout Associations, partners, and the organizational committees of the Emirates Scout Association, the Arab Scout Organization, and the World Scout Bureau, for their continuous efforts that made this success, stressing confidence that the outcomes of this conference will be the cornerstone for a new phase of development and empowerment in Arab Scout work.

Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Tariji, Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, said that the 31st Arab Scout Conference represents a turning point in the future of the Arab Scout Movement, as it provides us with an important opportunity to review policies, update legislation, and reformulate work structures to suit the new challenges facing Arab youth, stressing that the UAE’s hosting of this event in Abu Dhabi reflects an advanced vision that gives scouting its rightful place as an essential tributary of human development.

He added that the Arab Scout Movement has witnessed great development over the past years, and today we are paving the way for a new phase based on effective governance, youth leadership, and strengthening international partnerships. He stressed that the Arab Scout Committee is committed to managing a strategic transformation aimed at empowering youth, developing institutional work, and raising the level of performance in line with the global trends of the Scout Movement.

His Excellency explained that the participation of 17 Arab Scouting Associations in the conference reflects the unity and cohesion of the Scouting movement, and confirms the common belief in the role of Scouting in preparing a conscious and responsible generation, capable of confronting changes and creating a better future for our countries.

He thanked the UAE for its exceptional organization and generous sponsorship, and to the Emirates Scouts Association for its great efforts in making this event a success, calling on all participating delegations to work in a team spirit to ensure practical results that contribute to strengthening the status of Arab Scouting at the regional and global levels.

Daniel Karacao, Chairman of the World Scout Committee, expressed their pride in attending this prominent regional event in Abu Dhabi

Which comes at a very important stage in the journey of the World Scout Movement.

He said that the high-level organization we are witnessing in the Emirates and a clear commitment to empowering youth reflects an exemplary partnership between national institutions and the Arab Scout Organization, and strengthens the position of the Arab region as a key player in the global strategic directions of scouting.

He added that the World Scout Movement views with great admiration the efforts made in the Arab world to advance scouting work, especially in the areas of educational innovation, non-formal education, and youth leadership.

He appreciated the UAE’s pioneering role in supporting young people at the regional and international levels, and the distinctive environment it provides to promote Scouting values, which contributes to preparing a leadership generation capable of making change.

David Berg, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, pointed out that the 31st Arab Scout Conference in Abu Dhabi is not just a regional meeting, but rather a strategic station within the global scouting work system, because of the visions and initiatives it carries that enhance the role of the scouting movement in developing youth and preparing them for the future. This UAE hosting confirms the position of the Arab region as an influential global partner in developing scouting work.

He appreciated the deep cooperation between the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the Arab Scout Organization, and the great support from the UAE, and said: “We look forward to achieving qualitative results during this conference that contribute to enhancing integration between Arab and international experiences in scouting work.”

Dr. Hani Abdel Moneim, Secretary General of the Arab Scout Organization – Regional Director, confirmed that this conference comes at an important stage in the journey of the Arab Scout Movement, as we start from Abu Dhabi to launch new development plans, enhance youth empowerment, raise the level of governance, and develop regional programs, expressing his thanks to the UAE for its generous support, and the Emirates Scouts Association for the distinguished organization that befits the status of the event.

On a related level, Her Highness Princess Sama bint Faisal Al Saud – Member of the Board of Directors of the World Scout Fund and Chairman of the Saudi Girl Scouts Committee, said in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the Saudi delegation to the conference will present its achievements, expressing her hope that the decisions will contribute to the development of scouting work at the level of Arab countries in cooperation with international organizations.

His Excellency Dr. Salem Abdul Rahman Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Scouts Association, Vice Chairman of the Arab Scout Committee, and Chairman of the Conference, spoke about the participation of the UAE delegation in the conference, noting at the same time that 150 Arab Scout leaders from all Arab Scout Associations will discuss everything related to scouting affairs at the Arab level, in addition to participating in workshops and making visits to the landmarks of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

For his part, Dr. Khalil Rahma Ali, Secretary General of the Emirates Scouts Association, Executive Director of the Conference Organizing Committee, spoke about the Association’s participation in the conference and their role, which is to vote on some decisions and discuss some amendments, pointing out that this conference is held every 3 years and the next session will witness the selection of the host country.

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