At an inspiring #Moot2017 closing in Iceland, SG Alhendawi calls on scouts to be courageous agents of change.

Over 5,000 Scouts from all over the world, aged between 18 and 25, gathered in Iceland from 25 July to 2 August 2017 to participate in the biggest Moot ever in Scouting history. At the closing ceremony, WOSM Secretary General, Ahmad Alhendawi called on Scouts to be courageous agents of change. Read the full speech below.

Hello, everyone!
I am here tonight to say, thank you! Thank you for making this the biggest Moot ever! There is so much energy here– positive energy to change the world. You have brought the greatest spirit to this beautiful and hospitable island! The Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association has brought more people to this Moot than any time in history. Your dedication to the values of the Scout Movement is so important in these very troubled times in our world.

You know. Many great people over the years have spoken about the values that scouts bring. Nelson Mandela, the first leader of free South Africa, had deep admiration and high expectations for the scouts.
He once said, “Scouting inspires patriotism, sound moral values, courage, character-building, self-reliance and community awareness. It motivates our young people to achieve their full potential.”

Today I would like to send you home by challenging myself and you, to be more courageous. Our world needs our courage as Scouts. As you know, Nelson Mandela was unjustly imprisoned for 27 years just for standing up for what is right. He wanted to live for his ideal of equality – he was also prepared to sacrifice for it. During that time, Mandela lost his mother and his eldest son – and he was not even allowed to attend their funerals. But he never gave in or gave up. He showed true courage. And before he passed away at the age of 95, Mandela was known throughout the world as one of the greatest figures of our times. The causes that he championed still need believers. We still see racism, bigotry, ignorance and violence. These go against everything that the Scout Movement stands for. And I am proud that the Scout Movement is standing up for what is right, by enabling a generation of principled and values-driven youth to lead.

In May, I was so moved and inspired when I saw the famous photo of a girl scout standing up to a Neo Nazi. Lucie Myslíková is just 16 years old. She was willing to raise her voice for what we all know is right – that all people are equal. Many thoughtful people are concerned about trends in our world today. I understand their perspective. But we cannot just worry. We have to act.
Scouting is about action. Every one of you is here because you invested your time and your heart in doing what is right for your community. You are here because you understand the true value of helping others. I sincerely appreciate your shining example of how young people can contribute to our world. At the same time, I have to ask all of us to be even more courageous.
Each of us has our own circle where you can make a difference.

All it takes is courage. Courage does not mean taking unnecessary risks or showing off some reckless stunt. Courage means doing what your heart tells you is right. Courage is standing up to bullies – whether they are in the schoolyard or in authority. Courage means standing with your fellow scouts and helping other people – see how great it is to live a life of service. And courage means not backing down even when you face difficulties.

I just love the Moot song. Do you? We have the guidance we need in the Moot Song. We sing, “Don’t be scared.” In other words, be courageous. Just like the song says, if it is difficult to take the step, we just have to tie our laces. Give a hand to the one in need, side by side we’re able to win. We saw this at this Moot, some of the suitcases didn’t arrive on time but you quickly started sharing clothes with others who needed them. We saw this with the group that experienced strong winds that took down a number of tents leading, they spent their final night on expedition in a school. There are definitely storms ahead in our world – but more importantly, there are powerful winds of change. All of you are making a profound difference. Keep this spirit going.

Remember the solidarity we learned here – and bring it back home. Stay close to your fellow Scouts – even if they live far. Look around at the wonderful variety of people here – and help others to see that diversity is a strength. Rovering is all about serving others. As scouts you can tackle the major issues facing our world, one action at a time. I could suggest ways that you make a difference – but I am sure you have even better ideas. In our world of disasters, refugees, disease and poverty, you can bring peace, comfort, health and security to many.

Thank you for doing so much for our Movement. Thank you for giving so much to our world. We inherit a proud heritage that has been passed down to us for generations. Let’s create an even greater legacy to the future of our world. Each one can do that by pledging today, once again, that on my honor, I will do my best to create better world. Let’s go out and create the world we want.
Thank you.