I am delighted to send warm greetings to brother and sister Scouts from all over the world. Congratulations on your 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Japan. I thank the organizers, 10,000 adult volunteers and Scout leaders from around the world for making this Jamboree possible.

The Scout Movement is a valuable force for connecting young people from across the planet. Participants have the chance to develop physically, intellectually and socially while contributing to their communities.

I know this from personal experience. As a Scout, I enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Through my participation, I gained important skills, discipline and a sense of responsibility towards society. These experiences have served me well ever since. As they say, “Once a scout, always a scout.”

You gather as the world copes with dangerous threats while endeavouring to lay plans for long-term peace and sustainable prosperity. The global landscape is scarred by conflict, exploitation and despair. Nearly 60 million people have been forced to flee their homes – more than at any time since the end of the Second World War. In every society, women are victims of violence. The consequences of climate change are becoming clearer.  Huge sums of money continue to be wasted on destabilizing military arsenals.  People are suffering atrocious crimes at the hands of violent extremists and others.

The United Nations is mobilizing countries to address conflicts, disasters and other immediate crises while striving to secure our long-term future by forging a new vision for sustainable development as well as a universal climate agreement.

We urgently need all of you to succeed in these endeavours. I have great confidence in today’s young generation. Your role is more vital than ever, both as rights-holders and as agents of change. I encourage you to courageously stand for your beliefs.

This Jamboree provides a valuable platform for young Scouts to make their voices heard. Together, let us create a world of peace, development and human rights for all.