World Scouting and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award further strengthen partnership

Photo: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Secretary General John May and WOSM Secretary General Scott Teare signing the joint statement

The World Organization of the Scout Movement and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, longstanding partners, have issued a joint statement aimed at strengthening their relationship across the world.

In the statement, the two organisations affirm their complementary values and goals and the achievements which both have seen in recent years through strengthening links at national level.

As the Award is a global framework for non-formal education, it is entirely complementary with the values and goals of Scouting and many Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants become involved through being Scouts. Doing The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award gives added value: while many Scouting activities will count towards Sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Scouts are also encouraged to engage in activities that they otherwise might not have done. They also get the additional recognition of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised and valued non-formal educational qualification. Common Scouting activities such as voluntary service and outdoor activities can be counted in both organisations although done once. As a result, young people can double the recognition they get for their activities.

The statement emphasises the huge benefits for both organisations in working more closely together. In some countries where they have developed joint initiatives there have been dramatic increases in the number of participants doing the Award through Scouts, and Scouting has seen a dramatic increase in numbers in the 14-24 years age range.

To learn more about The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, please visit www.intaward.org. For more information about the work the two organizations have done together as part of the "Big Six" - the world's largest youth organisations- please see "Alliance of Youth CEOs".