Dr. Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof was a Polish opthalmologist who in the late 1870s and early 1880s constructed and developed the Esperanto language. His goal was to create an easy and flexible language as a universal second language to foster peace and international understanding. Esperanto is now the most widely spoken constructed international language.

The Tolerance Medal, first established in 1999 by the Ludwig Zamenhof Foundation and the City of Bialystok (where the creator of Esperanto was born), is awarded for understanding and respect for cultural, national or religious diversity.

The initiative to award World Scouting was put forward by the chairperson of the Honour Committee of the Foundation, the grandson of the Creator of Esperanto- Professor Louis C. Zaleski-Zamenhof and the president of the World Esperanto Association (Universala Esperanto-Asocio) in Rotterdam, Holland – Doctor Renato Corsetti. The Chapter of the Medal of Tolerance then awarded this distinction to World Scouting in recognition of the role that the Movement plays in preparing young people for active and honest lives.

In a congratulatory letter to Dr. Missoni, Jaroslaw Parzyszek, Board Chairperson of Ludwig Zamenhof Foundation, and Professor Dr. Hanna Konopka, Council Chairperson acknowledged the long-standing tradition of co-operation among Scouts and Esperanto organisations worldwide which aim to get to know young people of different nations, cultures and religions. Scouting’s Founder, Sir Robert Baden-Powell was himself a great supporter of Esperanto and the idea that it could help to create a culture of peace.

World Scouting receiving the Medal of Tolerance is an expression of understanding the need to broaden the planes of friendship, solidarity and cooperation of people around the world.