The agreement establishes a programme between World Scouting and the United Nations aimed at helping young people to become more aware of development issues. On the same occasion, WOSM officially launched its “Youth of the World” campaign.

Recognizing that “World Scouting has a global responsibility to help meet human development challenges through grass-roots action”, Marie-Louise Correa, Chairman of the World Scout Committee, opened the signing ceremony in the presence of His Majesty, King Carl Gustav of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation, and Mr. Walter Veltroni, the Mayor of Rome. The Chairman reminded those present that “the main challenge is to ensure that globalization is positive and just. As Scouts or as adult volunteers in the Scout Movement, we are all capable of responding to this appeal in our communities”.

The United Nations was represented by Ms. Eveline Herfkens, Executive Coordinator of the Millenium Campaign, who pointed out that “Scouts are trying to make the impossible possible, while it is often impossible to make the possible possible”. Dr. Eduardo Missoni, WOSM’s Secretary General, co-signed the agreement, and offered a special medallion, “Bulgari for Scouting”, to the Mayor.

Note to the editors

• WOSM has 28 million members, young people and adults, worldwide. Scouting is an international movement that operates at local level through groups of young people and adult volunteers, who are supported and coordinated by their national organization. Scouting is active in some 215 countries and territories where it develops educational programmes that help meet the social needs and aspirations of young people. Working in partnership with the United Nations and other global and local agencies, Scouting is committed to - and takes action to support - peace and sustainable development. It will celebrate its centenary in 2007.
• The World Scout Bureau, which has been based in Geneva since 1969, is the executive secretariat of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). WOSM has enjoyed consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council since 1947.
• WOSM has just launched the “Youth of the World” campaign aimed at helping young people aged 15 to 26 to become more aware of development issues. A dedicated web site can be found at: www.youthoftheworld.net