Congratulatory messages from around the world on the opening of the World Scout Bureau Office in Kuala Lumpur

Greetings have been pouring in from well-wishers around the world in relation to the opening of the new World Scout Bureau Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Below are a selection:

"The 18th of June 2014 , thanks to the generous support of the Government of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur's Municipaliy as well as of local members of the World Scout Foundation, the World Organisation of the Scout Movement will open this new impressive and modern office. In 2013 the World Scout Committee decided to introduce a more decentralised structure that moves from having a single Central Office to one that involves all World Scout Bureau offices in order to create a global network of offices linked through virtual infrastructure and capable of serving our growing Scout population. Therefore this additional World Scout Bureau office has been established in Kuala Lumpur which will serve as a shared service centre for WOSM: the dream finally becomes reality!

This new WOSM's office, which will strengthen the Organization's ability to work closely with our membership and counterparts in the Asia Pacific Region and in Malaysia and leverage their development expertise, is part of the Scout Movement's strategy to closely support and continuously invigorate our Movement in every corner of the world. We, in the European Scout Region, strongly share this new approach and fully support this decentralised offices structure and are therefore extremely happy with this opening.

We are grateful for Malaysia's support to our Movement and I expect our new office will herald a new era along our long road of cooperation between all Scout Regions and between all National Scout Organisations."

- Dr. Andrea Demarmels, Chairperson of the European Scout Committee

“Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to get the new office in Kuala Lumpur ready for action. I have no doubt that this superb new facility will help ensure that Scouting continues to grow from strength to strength, equipping young people with the skills, behaviours and attitudes they need to be successful world citizens. Kuala Lumpur – KL to its friends – is more than just a capital city: it is a monument to Malaysian ingenuity and determination. I am sure that World Scouting has much to learn from this extraordinary Asian cyber-city and that our work will flourish, inspired by KL’s remarkable cultural diversity.”

- John May, Vice-Chair, World Scout Committee, WOSM

Having offices in 8 different countries in the world is an expression of WOSM truly global profile; having them working as a network will be a sign of an Organisation which is ready to face XXI century challenges. The new WSB – Kuala Lumpur Office will be a central piece in this new structure and will enable us to serve better our members. I wish that this new office will be an inspiring workplace for all the colleagues based there and a source of helpful support for all the National Scout Organizations.

- João Armando P Gonçalves, member, World Scout Committee

"This new working environment will undoubtedly provide a boost of renewed energy and fresh oxygen to world level volunteers and professionals who are exploring new avenues, new inspirations, new reflexions to drive World Scouting to new heights. It also gives an opportunity to reshape the professional structure of the World Scout Bureau with the objective to better serve National Scout Organisations. I am very glad to see the culmination of a process which started several years ago following healthy debates and discussions within World Scouting."

- Luc Panissod, Secretary General (retired), WOSM

Even though I am unable to be at the grand opening, I will definitely be there in spirit. It is a bold and foresighted step that will help take Scouting forward into the future, a move that I am sure we will see bear great fruit in the years to come.

- Suk Won Kim, Former Chariperson, World Scout Foundation

Best wishes to you, Scott and the entire WSB team for a wonderful Grand Opening Celebration!

- Rick Cronk, former Chairperson, World Scout Committee