Important updates regarding the 16th World Scout Moot

Dear friends,

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on all aspects of Scouting and in particular has presented challenges for the hosting of Scouting events. Over the course of the last year, we have seen many national, regional and international Scout and other international events be either postponed or cancelled to ensure the health, safety and protection of young people, volunteers and National Scout Organization (NSO) leadership involved in the planning and delivery.

Considering the uncertainty and risks surrounding the pandemic, in May 2020 the World Scout Committee, in close collaboration with hosts Scouting Ireland, decided to postpone the 16th World Scout Moot by one year to 2022.

Unfortunately, while the pandemic situation has improved in many parts of the world, there remains a great deal of uncertainty around convening large-scale international events. Among the many logistical and financial challenges are the constant changes in international travel regulations, the rising costs and financial liability for insurance and event equipment rental from suppliers, and continued risks related to the health and safety of participants.

The Moot Planning Team made significant advancements this year in preparing for the delivery of a world-class event, however during these unprecedented times it is necessary to put the health, safety, well-being and interests of young people and volunteers first, while ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the event.

In light of these ongoing issues which pose a significant challenge for the safe and successful delivery of the Moot in 2022, and following a series of constructive discussions, Scouting Ireland formally informed WOSM on 15 July 2021 it cannot continue to support the hosting of the 16th World Scout Moot in 2022 and inquired about the potential further postponement of the event.

The World Scout Committee considered the decision and inquiry from Scouting Ireland and while it regrets the impact on thousands of Rovers around the world, the Committee acknowledges and respects the extremely difficult situation facing the Host and the challenges associated with further postponing the event beyond 2022.

As a consequence, the World Scout Committee decided on 21 July 2021 to cancel the World Scout Moot in 2022. While we regret this outcome, we would like to assure you that WOSM is committed to exploring opportunities to bring Rovers together in 2022 by leveraging national events that can be made open for international participation and facilitating other international gatherings for Rovers. Moreover, WOSM looks forward to resuming the convening of the World Scout Moot in 2025.

World Scouting extends its strong appreciation and support to the Moot Planning Team and Scouting Ireland for their commitment and flexibility to adapt during the changing pandemic situation. We also recognise the time and effort of NSOs who have been diligently preparing their Contingents.

Operational details and guidance are communicated by the Moot Planning Team to registered Contingents and NSO leadership. If you have any further questions, please contact Jacob Murray, Director of World Events with the World Scout Bureau at jmurray@scout.org.

Yours in Scouting,
Ahmad Alhendawi

Secretary General

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