Scouting Ireland was proud to be part of the 18th European Guide and Scout Conference in Vienna, Austria this July. Over four days, our delegation joined Scouts and Guides from all across Europe to shape the future of Scouting in our Region. Scouting Ireland’s delegation consisted of six delegates, Máire Fitzgerald (International Commissioner and Head of Delegation), Steven Cull, Alice Spencer, Rúairí Hamaltùn, Aidan Magner (Member of Board of Directors) and Seán Sheehan (CEO). Mary Nugent, another member of Scouting Ireland, was also in attendance in her capacity as a member of the World Scout Bureau.
The first day of the event focused on reflecting on the 2022–2025 European Scout Plan, what was achieved, what was learned, and what remains to be done. One of the day’s highlights was the International Evening, where 43 countries came together to celebrate and exchange their cultures.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
On the second day, focus shifted to the future of Scouting in our Region, exploring the draft 2025-2028 European Regional Scout Plan. The joint Guide and Scout Conference also officially opened on Day 2, with delegates worked together on ideas to strengthen our Region and build better Scout and Guide movements across Europe.
Day 3 centred on governance and networking, including the election of the new European Scout Committee - congratulations to the new members, and especially to Diana Slabu (Chairperson) and José Pamplona (Vice-Chairperson)! The day also included a best practices session and an emotional moment as Christos Hatzidiamandis, from Greece, received the Bronze Wolf Award, the highest honour in World Scouting. The Award was presented by our International Commissioner, and Bronze Wolf recipient, Máire Fitzgerald.
Day 4 was the final day of the conference, full of energy and big announcements. We now know that Roverway 2028 will take place in Switzerland, and the 26th European Scout Conference will be held in Italy. Delegates also passed important resolutions (motions) on youth leadership, sustainability, and peace education, and approved the Regional Scout Plan for 2025–2028.
Throughout the event, there were great discussions, workshops, and inspiring speakers, including global leaders from the World Scout Committee and other youth organisations. A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially the volunteers, organisers, and fellow delegates. Scouting Ireland is proud to have been part of these important decisions for the future of Scouting and Guiding in Europe.
Our delegation has already begun work on the full report from the Conference. It is hoped that the report will capture key learnings and insights from the event, including points that will be helpful for various aspects of our work in Scouting Ireland. Once accepted by the Board of Directors, the report will be published on the International Team’s page, so stay tuned!
