A village for humanity

Walking down its green hilly lanes, one notices the variety of small neighbourhoods that line its path. It is the Global Development Village (GDV). The neighbourhoods welcome visitors to explore a different world of learning to unlock a global vision. 

Being a core educational experience at World Scout Jamborees since 1991, the Global Development Village offers a powerful interactive space featuring over 20 international organisations to give Scouts a remarkable global learning experience. Among the GDV neighbourhoods, World Scouting partners UNICEF, UNHCR, KAIICID, UN WOMEN, WWF and UN Environment are present at the 24th World Scout Jamboree, highlighting the main themes of the GDV, the 5 P’s:

1.    People
2.    Planet
3.    Prosperity
4.    Peace
5.    Partnership (Youth)

Scouts are enthralled by the journey they are taken on through UNHCR’s igloo-shaped tent, as they sit in to watch the story of Omar.  Omar is a young refugee from Syria who was born with a rare hormone deficiency that stunted his growth. Through this 360 degree film as well as video chats with Scouts in refugee camps, Scouts and visitors learn what life is like for young refugees. 

At the Global Development Village, Scouts have the opportunity to learn about global issues and inequalities around the world and how Scouting can help provide a solution. Interactive activities teach Scouts to think globally and act locally, helping them take what they learn at the jamboree and translate that into actions in their own communities. 

Carolina, Lou and Elena are three young female Scouts from Brazil and looked uneasy as an environmentalist was showing them samples of everyday items made from animal skin.
 
“This is exactly what my friends and I are trying to raise awareness about back home. Animals are increasingly endangered, and humans are contributing to their extinction. In my Scout group in Brazil, we created a badge as a reward to young Scouts who take actions in favour of protecting tropical animals,” said Elena.
 

Scouts flooded one tent as they signed a symbolic pledge to commit to human rights. Maya, a 16-year-old Scout from Australia proudly signed her name on a large board in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
 
“Scouts form one big force of peace all over the world and as Scouts we will always stand up for the rights of human beings and children,” she said passionately. 


 Maya also mentioned that through Scouting, she feels more and more connected to global issues affecting the world. 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the main theme across the GDV that World Scouting’s external partners and others have been reflecting in each of their exhibit booths and daily workshops. Scouts are able to join conversations, visit exhibitions, presentations, and be part of workshops led by experts from international organisations, leading them to earn a GDV Badge. 

The badge is an educational tool that aims to inspire Scouts to contribute to the SDGs and supports partners to engage young people in actions towards sustainable development.