Scout leaders in the Asia-Pacific Region chart a bold path forward in Kaohsiung
After a week of lively discussions, inspiring workshops, and vibrant cultural exchanges, participants from 27 National Scout Organizations bid each other farewell as the 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference came to a memorable close in Kaohsiung.
Hosted by the General Association of the Scouts of China at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the gathering culminated in a series of key decisions that will shape the future of Scouting across the Region over the coming years.
One of the most significant outcomes was the adoption of the new APR Strategy 2033 and Triennial Plan 2025–2028, a milestone framework designed to strengthen Scouting’s mission in a rapidly changing world. It prioritises growth and innovation through youth leadership, safeguarding, volunteering development, and good governance, and strategic partnerships. It also provides a clear roadmap for Member Organizations, introducing ways to measure impact around themes such as peace education, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.
In an address earlier in the day, Dato' Dr Mohd Zin Bin Bidin, the new Regional Scout Committee Chair, urged Member Organizations to lead with vision, courage and unity. He reminded them that as the Movement’s largest and most diverse region, they must embrace Asia-Pacific’s unique identity as its greatest strength, leveraging its significant influence to “build a better world through understanding, friendship, and service.“
Laying out ten priorities for the triennium ahead, he underscored the need to empower young people, embrace digital innovation, and ensure the safety and well-being of all. “Let us move forward as one Asia-Pacific family — diverse in culture, yet united in spirit; grounded in heritage, yet courageous in innovation. As Scouts, we do not wait for the future to happen — we build it together,” he said.
Delegates also passed a series of resolutions advancing the region’s commitment to youth empowerment and intergenerational collaboration. Among them was a decision to strengthen the APR Youth Leadership Training Programme and create a task force to define clear pathways for youth participation in governance. Another resolution focused on expanding intergenerational opportunities through future APR Leaders‘ Summits, ensuring that both young and senior leadership can actively participate and make a meaningful impact in the Movement.
A major step forward was taken on safeguarding, with the approval of a Constitutional Amendment establishing that Member Organizations not compliant with World Scouting’s safeguarding policies and measures will not be able to nominate candidates for regional roles (including committees and task forces) or host for Regional events.
Reflecting on this landmark decision, J. Rizal C. Pangilinan, Regional Director of World Scouting’s Asia-Pacific Region said: “Our gathering here in Kaouhsiung ensures that the 37 million Scouts from the Asia-Pacific influenced by Scouting’s programme will have a safe space under our care. This historic amendment to the constitution [makes Asia-Pacific] the first region implementing an enforcement mechanism on Safe from Harm compliance.
The Conference also celebrated leadership and service, with Scout leaders and volunteers from across the Region being recognised for their outstanding contributions. Throughout the week, special honours were presented, including the prestigious Bronze Wolf Awards, highlighting exceptional individual dedication to the Movement.
Other key announcements included Thailand as the host of the 34th APR Scout Jamboree in 2029, Hong Kong as the host of the 29th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in 2028, and the establishment of new sub-committees and their members.
As the closing ceremony concluded, Dato' Dr Mohd Zin Bin Bidin offered one final call to action: “As we close this historic conference, let us rise with renewed fire in our hearts and purpose in our souls. Let us go forward with courage to empower every young person to reach the unreached, to heal divisions and to build bridges of peace and understanding. Together, we will not only shape the future of Scouting but also the future of humanity itself.”
