Impact of Scouting Seminar, 74th BP Fellowship Event

The Impact of Scouting Seminar on 22 April, held in the historic Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin, highlighted both the impact of Scouting and the importance and impact of the unwavering support of BP Fellows.

World Scout Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mark Knippenberg, together with the Director of Engagement, Nicole Gooderson, opened the proceedings, underscoring how delighted the Foundation was to finally meet in person to drive more support for World Scouting. The Seminar, MC-ed by Irish Rover Scout, Nora Smith, featured a message of support from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and then incredible stories of Scout action for impact in the east of Germany, Argentina, Croatia, locally in Ireland and in Ukraine and further afield via Scout Humanitarian Action, introducing two live Irish Scout speakers, Lydia Keating and Jack Horgan, plus Ukrainian Scout and World Scout Committee member, Nika Gorovska, who shared their personal Scouting experiences with a captive and visibly moved audience.

A panel discussion followed the hugely inspiring stories, focusing on the importance of support for more quality Scouting to give more young people from all communities worldwide the opportunity to become Scouts. The panel comprised Mark Knippenberg, Scout speakers Lydia, Jack and Nika, and World Scout Committee Chairperson, Andy Chapman, and was moderated by WOSM Secretary General, Ahmad Alhendawi. An animated Questions and Answers session followed, then an informal opportunity for networking with all of the attendees.