Global Development Village opened by Evelyn Herfkens from the Millennium Campaign
Global Development Village opened by Evelyn Herfkens from the Millennium Campaign
“They often say youth is the future, I say youth is the present!” This is how Evelyn Herfkens, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals officially opened the Global Development Village at the 21st World Scout Jamboree in the UK.
Mrs Herfkens who is the Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Millennium Campaign talked to the first participants present at the opening, encouraging them to take action against poverty, health and the environment. She shared with the participants some of her experiences in these matters.
After that, accompanied by Eduardo Missoni, the Secretary General of WOSM, she took part in some of the activities in the Global Development Village, interacting with the scouts, telling them about the Millennium Campaign Goals and what they can do to help.
“I think that the values the Scout Movement stand for are the perfect fit with the millennium development goals which are about building a better world for all by ending the extreme poverty, protect the environment and improving the health and educational systems for everybody on this globe” says Evelyn Herfkens.
She expressed her happiness about how inspiring is the fact that the Jamboree has succeeded in bringing together all the different countries and cultures in a wonderful atmosphere of friendship and peace.
She also added that in order for the world to be a better place at the time the young generation takes over, the are better to start acting now to make sure that promises made by governments and the are actually kept.
The Global Development Village is an activity designed to help participants of the World Scout Jamboree reflect on issues and challenges facing the planet and the global community. They take part in a session that begins with a motivational drumming session, followed by a two hour workshop on one of the four themes: environment, health, human rights or peace.
The activity ends with a special event where participants are encouraged to make a commitment to help make the world a little better when they return home.