Scouts Share Humanistic Spirt of United Nations, Secretary-General Says in Message to World Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the forty-first World Scout Conference, in Baku, Azerbaijan, today:

Hello to all Scout Movement friends gathered in Baku.  I thank the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting.  Congratulations to all the young participants.

The United Nations and the Scouts have so much in common.  Your Secretary-General, Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, was the first-ever UN Youth Envoy.  I am committed to building on the invaluable contributions he made.

The United Nations and the Scouts also share the same humanistic spirit.  Scouts contribute to their communities, protect our environment, and help people in need.  Scouting teaches individuals compassion — and they make society better for all.

I applaud your plans to rally 40 million Scouts from 165 countries to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals.  This is truly impressive.  We count on the Scouts to help realize our vision of a life of dignity for all.

Thank you.