Creating a better world through diplomacy

In a unique activity, two representatives from 67 of the contingents to the World Scout Jamboree were taken into Kristianstad and the Regional Parliament of Scania for a simulated United Nations session on Climate change. Based on already prepared position papers from the different countries, the Scouts discussed, negotiated, drafted resolutions and voted upon amendments with unfaltering enthusiasm and dedication.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” says Marcel Ledjou of the World Scout Committee, thanking the participants of the World Scout Jamboree UN Simulation. No one could doubt neither the thoughtfulness nor the commitment of the Scouts. During almost twelve hours they’ve practised diplomacy while learning about environmental issues in all parts of the world.

A UN Simulation is common in many schools throughout the world. However, instead of pretending to be from a given country, this time the participants simply represented their own. Prepared position papers were distilled to bullet points and split up in different caucuses, working groups on a certain topic. After an opening session the participants split up into their caucuses to discuss the suggested actions and draft resolutions.

“The decisions coming out will enable us to represent these youth in the global discussion.” said Karin Ahlbäck of the World Scout Committee, adding “it is essential that the views of young people are heard in this discussion.”

In the caucuses, facilitators guided the participants in discussing what actions they wanted taken. Different points were brought up, their feasibilities and importance discussed. Points were merged, things were taken away. Once the caucuses had agreed on drafts, it was time for the lobbying. The participants presented their ideas, trying to gain support. Changes were discussed; would a change give more support, or diminish the quality?

After working on amendments the participants gathered in the plenary hall. Short speeches were made before each resolution. This was a big moment for many, overcoming nervousness while speaking. Idealism sparred with realism as delegates pointed out the difficulty some countries would have to follow certain actions. In the end, nine of the fourteen resolutions were carried.

“It was great to see the kids having so much input and knowledge about climate change.The way the negotiated and debated was something I think the real UN could learn from” said Jo Deman, International Commissioner of the Belgian Scouts, after chairing most of the debate. “This is a good way for young people to actually try out how it is in reality in a global decision making structure.” adds Imse Nilsson, board member of European Youth Forum and facilitator at the discussions.

The participants uniformly thought of the exercise as enjoyable. “I thought many participants wouldn’t know a lot about these issues, but I’ve been impressed by their knowledge, and by how everyone wants to work together internationally” says Barnabé Corminbeuf, Switzerland.

Text: Wilhelm Tunemyr
Photo: Mikko Roininen / Scouterna