Inclusive leadership and future horizons at the 29th Interamerican Scout Conference

The 29th Interamerican Scout Conference was held in Willemstad, Curaçao, from 30 October to 2 November, with Scouting Antiano proudly hosting the event. This vibrant gathering of leaders, volunteers, and youth representatives marked a significant moment for the Interamerican Scout Region as it introduced the Regional Triennial Plan for 2025–2028 and a series of resolutions that will guide the Movement toward transformative growth and lasting impact.

A highlight of the Conference was the election of the Interamerican Scout Committee for the 2025-2028 period. The new Committee has a notably strong female majority, with five women and three men elected as voting members, reflecting substantial progress for gender diversity in the Region's governance systems. Delegates also selected the National Scout Organizations (NSOs) to host Regional events over the coming Triennium, ensuring continued collaboration and engagement.

The new triennial plan aligns closely with World Scouting’s global priorities. It aims to deliver more flexible and appealing youth programmes, supported by the effective use of technology, and positions the Region as a leader in youth leadership development. Key focus areas include expanding access to Scouting for young people in underserved communities, ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of all members, increasing volunteer recruitment and retention, and transforming governance to ensure future readiness. The plan also emphasises expanding research capacities for data-driven decision-making and building strategic partnerships to enhance Scouting's societal impact.

The Conference also saw the adoption of resolutions that addressed the resilience of Member Organizations facing political instability, socio-economic challenges, and climate vulnerabilities. Efforts will concentrate on providing targeted support, encouraging peer-to-peer resource sharing, and developing tailored growth strategies for organisations with limited capacity to ensure sustainable development and inclusiveness.

Revitalising regional networks was another key theme, with a focus on promoting stronger collaboration and the exchange of best practices among NSOs. Governance clarity and transparent communication were identified as essential for strengthening regional solidarity.

The Conference further adopted a resolution to make the Interamerican Scout Conferences more accessible and affordable. This includes encouraging the use of lower-cost venues, such as educational institutions, implementing tiered participation fees based on economic and travel considerations, and maintaining online participation as a complementary option to support wider inclusivity.

Finally, participants agreed to advance the use of impact measurement tools tailored to the Region. These tools will help assess youth development, community service outcomes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and volunteer engagement. Training will be offered to leaders to foster a culture of data-informed growth and enhance public perception of the Movement.

As the Conference drew to a close, participants expressed a renewed commitment to empowering young people, fostering inclusivity, and building a sustainable and influential Scout Movement that reflects the diverse realities of the Americas, laying a strong foundation for continued progress in the years ahead.

This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with World Scouting under the Messengers of Peace Fund, and with additional support from the Interamerica Scout Foundation.