Dear Brother & Sister Scouts

Every year, 21 September is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace. It is a good reminder, especially as we are living in an age and time that is perilous yet opportune. Wars, famine, extreme poverty, hunger, social discrimination, natural disasters are among our daily newsfeeds.

As a 107-year old grassroots educational youth movement with a strong legacy of community service, Scouting has been contributing actively to improve the life conditions of, and building social bridges among, the local communities around the world in our quest to creating a better world.

This is the vision of Baden-Powell. He had envisioned young people learning to be brothers and sisters through the act of joining efforts to serve others, irrespective of nationality, social background, or religious beliefs.

Baden-Powell believed Peace could be achieved one day as a result of young people, united by a common goal, becoming the future leaders of society and replicating the same practices as adults.

I believe, and I am confident you do, too, that as Scouts, we have the opportunity to choose Peace as a daily practice by offering simple acts of kindness.

A key peace initiative that has been introduced is World Scouting’s Messengers of Peace programme, which focuses on the core principles of Scouting – help other people, serve others, and do a good deed every day.

Peace starts with me, with you and with all of us together. Each of us has a relevant and undeniable role in the construction of Peace in our communities and countries. Let us share our Peace vision with the people around us, and invite everyone within our reach to join us in creating a better world.

Yours in Scouting

Scott A. Teare
Secretary General
World Organization of the Scout Movement

17/9/14