Scouting in Lebanon: Empowering youth, bridging divides, and building a stronger future

In Lebanon, a country steeped in cultural and religious diversity, Scouting has been a unifying force for more than a century and an integral part of the nation’s social fabric. Today, more than 150,000 young people and volunteers take part in the Scouting programme through 41 Scout Associations under the Lebanese Scouting Federation.

Recently, leaders from the Federation, together with representatives from World Scouting and the Arab Scout Region, met with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Nehmat Aoun, who commended local Scouts as role models for youth leadership and community service across the country and beyond. 

During the visit, President Aoun recognised Scouting’s vital role in empowering young people as active citizens and reiterated his strong support for Scouting, highlighting its contributions to promoting peace, social harmony, and nation-building. With roughly 40% of Lebanon’s population under the age of 25, the president emphasised Scouting’s importance as a youth movement that equips young people with the skills, leadership, and confidence to create change in their communities.

Saiid Maaliki, Chairperson of the Arab Scout Committee, echoed this sentiment, telling delegates: “Lebanon holds a special place in our Scout Movement. Over the decades, Lebanese Scouting has played a significant role in capacity building, dialogue, and leadership - inspiring National Scout Organizations everywhere. It’s important we continue working hand-in-hand to keep our movement cohesive, strong, and focused on our shared mission.“

At a time when political polarisation and division are growing worldwide, the visit served as an important reminder of Scouting’s unique ability to unite people of all backgrounds around a shared purpose.

Through initiatives like the Sanad campaign - a coordinated humanitarian response delivering vital aid to communities in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and beyond - Scouts have distributed food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to families displaced by the conflict. Lebanese Scouts also responded swiftly after the Beirut port explosion in 2020, providing support ranging from first aid to shelter management and food distribution. Beyond emergency response, Scouts in Lebanon regularly organise leadership training and peace camps, elevating the voices of young people to play an active role in shaping their futures. 

The high-level visit also showcased Lebanon’s leadership in advancing regional cooperation. The gathering coincided with a meeting of the Arab Scout Committee, where senior representatives from across the Arab Region came together to discuss strategies for the upcoming triennium. Among those in attendance were World Scouting’s Secretary General, David Berg, and its Regional Director of the Arab Support Centre, Hany Abdulmonem, as well as representatives from the Arab Scout Foundation and the Board of the Arab International Scout Centre. Their discussions focused on strengthening governance to ensure Scouting’s continued impact in line with the needs and aspirations of young people in the region.

Committee representatives also met with Lebanese Scout leaders to explore strategic development and governance improvements across the region. As part of the visit, a parliamentary reception provided a platform for Lebanese legislators to reaffirm their support for Scouting through youth-focused legislation that enhances the Movement’s role in community development.

Reflecting on the significance of hosting these high-level meetings in Beirut, Wassim El Zein, President of the Lebanese Scout Federation, noted that it “reflects the pride of the Lebanese Scout Movement. It also sends a message of confidence in Scouting’s national and educational role, motivating us to continue working closely alongside Arab and international partners.”

As Scouting in Lebanon looks to the future, its commitment to service and unity remains its core strength. By empowering young people and building bridges across communities, Scouting enriches its members' lives and contributes meaningfully to creating a more connected society.