Scouts for SDGs
On the 16th of November 2018, "Scouts for SDGs" was launched at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York – "an unprecedented mobilisation of our Movement that will see 50 million Scouts make the world's largest coordinated youth contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030".
How can we help?
In order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, we all have a role to play. This is where Scouting comes in. "Since its beginnings, Scouting has been enabling young people from every corner of the globe to create positive change in their communities, acting on challenges and needs at all levels of society. It uses an action-orientated, self-educational approach to contribute to the empowerment and holistic development of young people as autonomous individuals and active global citizens."
SCOUTS South Africa reviewed the Cub, Scout and Rover Programmes against the SDGs to assess how well the programmes currently address the SDGs and whether members contribute by progressing through the programmes.
Challenges and badges
To increase the role of SSA even more, the "SDG Champion badge" was introduced for Scouts, Rovers and Adults in 2019. Cubs have long participated in an annual national challenge, and this model was extended to the other branches. Through the national challenges in consecutive years, selected SDG badges were launched.
- In 2023, the theme of the national challenge is "Champions for Nature", which focusses on SDG 13, 14 and 15.
- In 2022, the theme of the national challenge was "Scouts Go Solar".
- Through the 2021 national challenge, badges for SDG 6, 7, 8 and 11 were introduced: Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Sustainable Communities.
- Through the 2020 national challenge, badges for SDG 5, 13, 14 and 15 were introduced: Gender Equality, Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life On Land.
- Through the 2019 national challenge, badges for the first four SDGs (1, 2, 3 and 4) were introduced: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, and Quality Education.
Challenges from previous years can still be tackled. Additional badges related to the SDGs:
Additional resources
Artwork: