Asia-Pacific & Interamerican Scouts: Youth Lead the Way in 2025

Asia-Pacific & Interamerican Scout Highlights 2025

Description: Over 37 million Scouts unite at Asia-Pacific and Interamerican events in 2025, empowering youth leadership, peace, and global collaboration.

Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Date & Time: 26 October 2025, 18:30 IST (UTC+5:30)

Introduction

The year 2025 has been historic for the global Scouting movement, with youth from across the Asia-Pacific and the Americas stepping into leadership roles, shaping regional strategies, and voicing their vision for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world. The 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, convened nearly 400 Scouts and leaders from 33 National Scout Organizations (NSOs) from 12–17 October 2025. Alongside, the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum amplified the voices of more than 200 young participants from 30 countries in the Americas, showcasing how youth engagement, governance, and peace initiatives are at the forefront of Scouting’s mission.

The events highlighted regional unity, youth empowerment, and the importance of intergenerational collaboration. Key decisions were made about governance, future event hosting, safeguarding policies, and strategic planning, laying a foundation for sustainable growth and global citizenship. Scouts across the Asia-Pacific region prepared for future milestones, including the 29th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in Hong Kong (2028) and the 34th APR Scout Jamboree in Thailand (2029), while the Interamerican Forum produced actionable recommendations for youth participation, mental health, and climate action.

28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference: Kaohsiung 2025

Hosted by the General Association of the Scouts of China, Kaohsiung became the hub for collaboration, dialogue, and strategic decision-making. The theme, “Scouting: Integrated Versatility”, reflects the Region’s commitment to adaptability, unity, and youth-led innovation.

Conference Highlights

Plenary sessions and workshops focused on organizational capacity, youth empowerment, and digital innovation.
Voting on key resolutions, including youth participation in governance, safeguarding, and intergenerational collaboration.
Election of Regional Scout Committee members for the 2025–2031 term.
Selection of future event hosts: Hong Kong (29th Conference, 2028) and Thailand (34th APR Scout Jamboree, 2029).
Cultural events, Scout exhibitions, and educational tours highlighted regional achievements.

Caption: “Nearly 400 Scouts gathered at the opening of the 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in Kaohsiung.”

Youth Engagement: Asia-Pacific Youth Forum

Running alongside the Conference, the 11th Asia-Pacific Youth Forum empowered young participants to:

Develop leadership and decision-making skills
Participate in interactive workshops and team-building exercises
Engage in mentorship opportunities with senior leaders
Contribute to policy discussions shaping the future of Scouting

Leadership Elections and Appointments

The Conference witnessed the election and appointment of new leadership for the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee:

Chair: Dato’ Dr Mohd Zin Bin Bidin (Malaysia)
First Vice Chair: Dr. Yang Yung-Chin (Scouts of China)
Second Vice Chair: Dev Raj Ghimere (Nepal)

Five new voting members were elected from a pool of eight candidates:

Nikketah Jayde Cuneo (Australia)
Dev Raj Ghimire (Nepal)
Dr. Wilson Wai-Sang Lai (Hong Kong)
Mir Mahbubur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Atty. Cedrick Gayona Train (Philippines)

This leadership ensures continuity, inclusivity, and robust governance aligned with the Asia-Pacific Strategy 2033 and Triennial Plan 2025–2028, prioritizing youth empowerment, volunteering, and safeguarding compliance.

Future Hosting Announcements

Hong Kong: The 29th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in 2028 will carry the theme “One Region, One Spirit: Harmony in Diversity and Ready for Life”, showcasing Hong Kong’s strong Scouting legacy and commitment to youth development.

Thailand: The 34th APR Scout Jamboree in 2029 will be hosted at Vajiravudh Scout Camp, Chon Buri, under “Building Bridges, Creating a Sustainable Future”. The event promises outdoor challenges, team-building, and cultural exchange, uniting Scouts aged 12–17 across the region.

8th Interamerican Youth Forum: Declaration 2025

In the Americas, the World Organisation of the Scout Movement–Interamerica Support Centre (WOSM–ISC) collaborated with YMCA LAC and IFRC LAC to launch the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum Declaration, following a virtual gathering of 200+ young leaders from 30 countries in August 2025.

Key Declaration Focus Areas

Youth participation in decision-making – governance roles, voting seats, and participatory budgets
Inclusion, diversity, and equity – intersectional approaches and barrier removal
Well-being, mental health, and protective environments – safety protocols and digital safeguards
Environmental sustainability and climate action – local targets, circular economy, and nature-based solutions

Quote from participant:
“I was inspired to see young people sharing their realities and challenges… I leave motivated to create a more active and influential youth community.” — 22-year-old participant

This declaration represents a mandate for action, promoting intergenerational dialogue, advocacy, and the design of youth-centric policies across the Americas.

Strategic Impact and Importance

Both the Asia-Pacific Conference and Interamerican Forum highlight:

Youth empowerment as a driver of governance and social impact
Safeguarding and safety compliance as essential for Scouting programs
Environmental and peace education as core components of leadership development
Global collaboration through cultural exchanges, workshops, and policy dialogue

By aligning regional strategies with WOSM guidelines, Scouts across continents are equipped to lead local and global initiatives, ensuring inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies.

Conclusion

The events of 2025 showcase the power of youth-led initiatives in Scouting. From Kaohsiung to Latin America, young leaders are actively shaping governance, community action, and peace education. With the upcoming 2028 Hong Kong Conference and 2029 Thailand Jamboree, as well as the Interamerican Youth Forum’s actionable declaration, the future of Scouting is dynamic, inclusive, and globally impactful.

Scouts continue to exemplify the values of friendship, service, and leadership, building bridges across cultures and nurturing the next generation of change-makers.

FAQ

How often is the Asia-Pacific Scout Conference held?
Every three years, bringing together National Scout Organization leaders to review policies and set regional priorities.
Where was the 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference held?
In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, hosted by the General Association of the Scouts of China.
Which country will host the next Asia-Pacific Scout Conference?
Hong Kong is selected for 2028, emphasizing diversity and youth empowerment.
What is the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum Declaration about?
It focuses on youth participation, inclusion, well-being, and climate action, providing actionable recommendations for policy and community engagement.
When and where will the 34th APR Scout Jamboree take place?
Thailand will host in 2029 at Vajiravudh Scout Camp, Chon Buri, uniting Scouts aged 12–17 for outdoor activities and cultural exchange.