HM The King's speech, Towards a New Generation of Leaders

Your Royal Highness,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be in Copenhagen to discuss a very important topic:

– Leadership – Towards a New Generation.

In this fast moving world, global markets challenge us all to adapt quickly and to be alert. We need people in our companies, our countries and in our communities who know how to react fast. And above all, to lead and bring people together. This is vital.

Scouting has a great leadership program and Scouting trains leaders from an early age.

Scouting challenges young people to work with others, to get on with others in some really difficult environments.

And to act.

It also forms young people to make a difference in their communities. To do something good every day! And to make the world a little better!

And in a 100 year-long history, this has not changed.

Let me give you some examples;

In Indonesia, for instance, one girl-scout has started a special program for blind and elderly people. In the Philippines thousands of scouts have helped to collect relief supplies for the victims of the typhoon. In Sweden scouts work with young people from different cultures to help them integrate in to Swedish society.

These are different problems, different solutions, with one common factor – a young man or woman, inspired by what they have learned in Scouting, will take leadership and make a difference.

And when companies and organizations are recruiting new employees, who would you choose? A non-team-member who does not interact with other people? Or would you choose someone who is skilled at working with others, who knows how to lead and be led, and who is prepared to take initiative?

Today other speakers will tell you why Scouting works as a leadership-training program.

And of course scouting does help prepare the new generation to be the best leaders!

Thank you!