Agora 2024: Empowering Youth Through Sustainability and Cultural Exchange
Copyright
Linnea Wedelin
The 15th WOSM Agora, held at the Göransborg Scout Centre in Sweden from April 3-7, 2024, brought together over 56 Rovers from 22 countries for a unique event driven by the motto "for Rovers, by Rovers." Over four intensive days, participants engaged in activities aimed at strengthening the educational goals of the Rover age section, with a particular emphasis on youth empowerment.
During Agora 2024, participants delved into the various challenges their communities face, fostering a deep understanding of local and global issues. They acquired tools to express their ideas systematically, learning to design and plan sustainability-related projects that could be implemented at national or local levels. The event provided a platform for learning about different cultures and Rover programmes across Europe, with attendees sharing their own experiences from their home countries.
Copyright
Linnea Wedelin
Young Rovers discovered the significant impact they can have on society, both within scouting and in their broader communities, through real-life examples of successful initiatives. Activities focused on youth empowerment, encouraging personal development and active citizenship.
I really enjoyed the exchange between, all those different people, opinions and experiences. I had to learn to speak up, in a group of people, I didn’t know very well at first and who don’t speak the same language as I am. I learned that scouting is so much more than I could ever possibly imagine. Now I can be sure, that there are so many great people with fantastic ideas, to make the world a better place. Agora is a great opportunity to expand your own scouting and non-scouting horizon.
Participant
WOSM Agora 2024
By focusing on sustainability, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment, the event not only broadened the participants' perspectives but also equipped them with the skills and motivation to drive meaningful change in their communities. As these young leaders return to their home countries, they carry with them the lessons, experiences, and inspiration to make a lasting impact.
The first European event by Rovers for Rovers was organised in 2007, following the Roverway in Italy. It was aptly named Dare to Dream (the theme of Roverway 2006 was "Dare to Share"). This is the second Agora focusing on sustainability, following Agora 2023, both part of the Earth Tribe project, which aims to transform youth organisations into forward-looking structures that support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and empower young Europeans to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities. The project is kindly financed by the Erasmus+ programme.
