Thank you so much for joining us for the first day of World Conference. It was great to see over 500 participants representing over 100 countries.
Some of the highlights from the day include:
• Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte sent us a very special message about how the future will only be ours if we dream, act and lead. Dreaming and talking is fine, but it is what we do and how we take leadership, which will make the future ours.
• We welcomed Savez izviđača Hrvatske (SIH), the National Scout and Guide Association of Croatia, as a Full Member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
• Our Guest Speaker, Annita Demetrio, Speaker of the House of Representatives for the Republic of Cyprus talked about how all of us here today share something in common: “we all dream and strive for a better future and a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. However, the importance of women's voluntary movements and their pivotal role in women's empowerment cannot be overstated. This is the driving force in challenging societal norms, dismantling gender-based discrimination and advancing the rights of women worldwide”.
• All Procedural Motions for the opening of business were passed with General Consent. Details can be found in the opening business presentation on Campfire.
• The Conference Chair, Fer Cerda, spoke to the gathering about how we come together to discuss and shape the future of the Movement, to connect and share best practices; and work together to explore ways to expand Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in our Member Organisations. Member Organisation representatives have made decisions at World and Regional Conferences throughout the years which have brought us all to this place.
• One of the Young Women spoke on behalf of the Youth who were part of the pre-governance event held in Lanarca as 'We dream of a conference that does not forget the importance of giving young people a space to thrive. To create a space where young people feel comfortable to step out of our comfort zones because we feel empowered by those surrounding us.”
• The World Board shared a global update reporting back on the 2021-2023 triennium and looking ahead by exploring challenges and opportunities with the strategy for 2024-2029.
• There was enormous enthusiasm during the speed networking with the World Board Candidates and our Global roundtables, where they could meet with other participants, build connections, and have an international experience.
• We’ve done the numbers and we’ve broken down the statistics of the speakers at plenary :
· 11 people under 30 (34) with 32 people over 30
· 7 Speakers From Africa, 6 Speakers from Asia Pacific, 4 Speakers From Arab Region, 6 Speakers from Europe and 4 Speakers from Western Hemisphere.
· 1 Speaker in Arabic, 21 Speakers in English, 2 Speakers in French and 4 Speakers in Spanish
On Day 2 (Friday 28 July) we will be convening together at the regional gatherings, Global Opportunities Connecting the Movement and finishing off the day with workshop sessions. Please remember you have to book sessions on Campfire.
• Please note that we have amended the programme slightly to include time for questions on the Global Strategy 2024-2029. This will be from 2pm to 2.30pm. Please check the new schedule for tomorrow on Campfire.
• If you are attending the OB-PS Reception, please go to the lobby on the ground floor of the North Building by 6.30pm where you will be escorted to the venue by our amazing service team.
If you have any feedback that you wish to send to the Planning Team on anything related to WoCo, feel free to send it to us through the form available on Campfire.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you on the second day of the 38th World Conference.
Yours in guiding and scouting,
World Conference Planning Team