Scouts from around the world named Messengers of Peace Heroes in New York ceremony

World Scouting has honoured 11 Scouts with the prestigious Messengers of Peace Heroes Award at a ceremony at United Nations headquarters, in recognition of their efforts to improve their communities, further peace and build a better world. The 11 – five women and six men – received their awards at UN Headquarters in New York where they were part of a special Scout delegation marking International Peace Day. Each spoke briefly about their project and its impact before the ceremony. The Messengers of Peace Heroes Award was established in 2012 to acknowledge the young people who have made extraordinary efforts to create a better world. The Award is open to young people between the ages of 16 and 26 from anywhere in the world whose community service projects have made a demonstrable improvement in people’s lives. Each must be nominated for the award by their National Scout Organization or National Scout Association.

“We are immensely proud of the work these incredible young people have done to create positive change in the world around them, whether it’s ensuring clean water supplies for vulnerable children or protecting their country’s national heritage,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement who attended the ceremony.

“They represent our Movement at its best and provide an inspiration to other Scouts as we seek to mobilise 50 million young people in a coordinated effort around the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

Messengers of Peace is World Scouting initiative designed to encourage Scouts to do community service and tell the story of their experience in order to inspire others to action. The programme is closely aligned with the 17 SDGs identified by the UN, and earlier this year Scouts recorded a milestone one billion hours of service. As part of the International Day of Peace, which falls on 21st September every year, the Heroes also observed the Peace Bell ceremony at the Japanese Garden and held discussions with UN peacebuilding experts. Hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, the Scouts also toured the offices of the BSA’s Greater New York Council. 2018 Messengers of Peace Heroes:

Patrick Evans, 22, South Sudan Improving health by providing clean water and education on sanitation to primary school children in Juba (Goal 6 – Clean water, sanitation, Goal 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing)

Doline Noukachessie, 21, Cameroon Raising awareness and acceptance for leprosy patients

Humaraya Ibnat Badhon, 20, Bangladesh Empowering girls in Bangladesh through Scouting

Hiu Lam Fung, 26, Hong Kong Helping those living on the margins of society

Junbert Pabon, 19, The Philippines Helping young offenders turn their lives around.

Violetta Pugacheva, 22, Ukraine Helping those displaced by war find a new home

Mikaeel Martinez Jaka, 17, US Conserving local heritage and promoting peace in the US

Camilo Ayala, 24, Colombia Building peace and spreading hope in Colombia

Carl Oehlenschlager, 18, Denmark Inspiring a new generation of active citizens and young leaders in Tunisia

Marwan Ahmed Awny, 16, Egypt Promoting peace and goodwill in Cairo

Adriana Gamboa, 16, Mexico Helping young Mexicans stay safe online