Promoting cultural exchange and understanding

Since 2001, the Scouts have run a series of successful intercultural gatherings. A very special event was ran in early 2006, supported by the King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Scouts in Saudi Arabia are learning to understand and respect other young people from different cultures, and vice versa. These events impact positively on the local communities where the gatherings take place, and a great deal of media coverage is supporting their work to promote international understanding and friendship.

The 2006 International Scout Gathering to promote a greater understanding between civilizations and the exchange of cultures was held in Jubail industrial city on the eastern cost of Saudi Arabia and targeted Scouts and Rovers aged 16 – 25 under the slogan “Together for Peace”. It was attended by 1800 Scouts from 90 countries. This gathering was unique, bringing young people together to learn about Arab traditions, modern technology and a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and love between all people and nations of the world.

The programme included sessions on developing a culture of dialogue, where Scouts learned about conflict resolution and consensus building. These sessions were led by the Saudi Centre for National Dialogue, the institution which leading the reform process in Saudi Arabia, where women and men from all walks of life, all tribes and faiths in the Kingdom are involved in addressing issues such as Women's Rights, Communications with other Faiths, Cultures and Countries, and Education reform.

At the end of the 2006 gathering, some of the Saudi Scouts and Rovers hosted a number of participants in their homes to introduce them to how Saudis live and to their customs and traditions. These intercultural exchanges have left a positive lasting impression on the young people involved and the local communities in Saudi Arabia.