Overcoming prejudices to make way for peace is a key goal that has come out of the meeting, with an official recommendation stating that the Arab and European Regions “work together to facilitate an information exchange and knowledge transfer between Scouts in both regions in order to explore how they can support Euro-Arab co-operation...”

The aim of the meeting was to encourage National Scout Organisations in the European and Arab regions to build partnerships through projects such as youth exchanges and joint training courses. Over thirty-five participants were in attendance.

Held in Hammamet, the event enabled discussion on a broad range of topics including partnerships in the frame of the Marrakech Charter (Bangalore Revised Edition) and concluded that a series of recommendations be transmitted to Regional Committees, National Scout Organisations and that some recommendations be reserved for the personal attention of those attending.

Left to Right: Johan Ekman, Finland; Elena Jimenez, Catalonia; Craig Turpie, European Scout Committee; Abdullah Al Fahad, Saudi Arabian Boy Scout Association and Atif Abdel Mageed, Arab Regional Director.

The programme included an update on the work of both regions and achievements since the last meeting, discussion on the type of support required from the regions, discussion groups on the role of Scouting in assisting and supporting minorities, residents and immigrants in both regions.

Presentations about specific projects such as the “Rebirth of the Phoenix” (a project presented by the participants from Lebanon for the reconstruction of the country), 2007 Centenary celebrations, the Scouts of the World Award, and other initiatives was presented and discussed during the course of the week.

The participants of this meeting unanimously agreed to host the 8th Euro-Arab meeting in Sweden in 2008.

REBIRTH OF THE PHOENIX

"The rebirth of the Phoenix" is the name of the Scout project which has been developed in the wake of the recent Middle-East crisis, to involve young people around the world in a chain of solidarity, mobilising financial resources and volunteers for environmental and health campaigns; educational programs for families, children and injured people; and helping national and local institutions in the rebuilding process. It was the recommendation of the Euro-Arab meeting to participate and contribute to the success of this important project through decisions taken by the Regional Committees and actions of the National Scout Organisations.