Following an inspiring mediation led by Tine Radinja, the EGSC13 started its work with an administrative session, during which the roll call was held, tellers appointed and the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the two regional committees elected by acclamation as chairs of the 13th European Guide and Scout Conference.

The Conference then received the joint report of the chairmen of the two Regional Committees. All twelve members of the Committees shared the achievements as well as remaining challenges in relation to the joint work areas of the outgoing triennium as well as more generally. The chairmen concluded this session by highlighting the fact that the two regions had excelled in doing a lot of joint and successful things together, but that it was now time to also start thinking things together.

One of the main highlights of the outgoing triennium had been Roverway 2009 in Iceland, and Jon, form BIS / IS, recalled this memorable event of last summer which had seen more than 3000 Rovers, Ranger and young adults discover Iceland in its many different facets. Altogether, more than 80’000 hours of work had been invested by volunteers to contribute to this event. Thanking BIS for the excellent delivery of Roverway 2009, BIS was presented with a gift of appreciation, which the Scouts and Guides of Iceland distributed small boxes of volcanic ash to everybody as a token of souvenir. On behalf of the organising team of Roverway 2009, Jon then symbolically handed over their acquired knowledge to Juha and Jukka, director and deputy director, respectively, of Roverway 2012, which will take place in Finland.

A video presentation gave an overview of what participants might expect at that major event in three years’ time.