Scouts for peace: How we can help build a better future

From local Remembrance events to World Scout Jamborees, Scouts continue to strive for international peace, friendship and understanding. This year, as we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we look ahead to commemoration events, as well as simple actions we can take to build a better future.

We live in a troubled world. There are currently over 40 wars and conflicts taking place around the globe. Over 100,000 combatants and civilians lost their lives to war in 2024 alone, notably in Ukraine and Gaza.

This provides a stark backdrop to events commemorating peace this year. Sadly, war is not a thing of the past and we need to support our young people sensitively when discussing global issues and conflict. Many of our members, families and communities will be directly or indirectly impacted by wars, past and present.

However, events focused on peace have a vital role to play. This can offer much needed hope and opportunities for learning, and support a spirit of mutual understanding and empathy. This year is especially significant as it sees the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp (Holocaust Memorial Day), VE Day 80 (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory Over Japan Day).