COP23 inspires Scouts to persevere in fight against climate change

After 14 days of discussions, negotiations, actions and meetings, the COP23 in Bonn is over. It was an exceptional time for the city, as well as for the participants. We, the three Scout delegates tried to be as active as possible in the second week – joining discussion groups and listening to presentations. We were also on social media and even had the opportunity to meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate Change of Fiji.

Furthermore, we attended YOUNGO (UNFCCC observer constituency of youth non-governmental organisations) meetings every morning and connected with other young people from NGOs. It was encouraging and inspiring to see many youth organisations around the world actively fighting against climate change.

The Education Day was held in the second week. It was a day dedicated to education, youth empowerment, knowledge sharing and the trying out of new methods to educate the next generation on climate change. This shows that the world is aware that it is only with education and knowledge that we can raise awareness on climate change and the vulnerability of our planet.

Scouts were also very active outside in the public area. A cosy campfire and Scouting activities with Scouts from all age groups were going on most of the time, with discussion groups and the sharing of knowledge on sustainable ways of living being held on evenings. All in all, it was a fantastic time in Bonn and we must say that it was a lot of work, but certainly worth it! Be prepared for the COP24 in Poland!

The Scouts who represented World Scouting in the second week of COP23:

Roshil is a 24-year-old Scout from the beautiful island country of Fiji. A primary school teacher, he is involved with both the Cubs and Scouts in Fiji and, is a Scout leader and an active member of the Fiji Scouts Association. This is his first time attending the COP and he enjoyed meeting young people from all over the world. Climate change is an issue which he deals with in his daily life as he lives on a Small Island Developing State. As Fiji held the Presidency at COP23, Roshil was very excited to take part in the dialogue on climate change.

Simon is a 30-year-old Scout from Germany, who enjoyed participating in this inspiring event. A Scout since he was a Cub, he was a leader in his local tribe and continued to be part of a working group for Rovers at a district level. Since 2013, he has been part of the Ecology Working Group in his NSO - DPSG and is active in organising Scouting events in a sustainable way. Additionally, he was one of the two project leaders of the ‘German Black Scouting Tents’ at the COP23. Simon is the programme manager of an international energy service company.

Vera is a 30-year-old-Scout from Germany, who was very grateful for the opportunity to participate in COP23. It was her first COP and as she loves nature (she is working as a forest ecologist), politics and youth engagement, this was the perfect opportunity for her to learn more about decision-making processes at global level. Vera has been active in Scouting for many years. Not only is she a group leader of Cub scouts, she was also part of the African Working Group and travelled to South Africa, Kenya (for the 2010 Moot) and Nordic countries with Scouts. She will also be part of the German Contingent Leaders Delegation for Roverway 2018 in the Netherlands.

You too can be part of the global warming solution, show us your actions by using the hashtags - #COP23 and #Scouts!