Norec partner WAGGGS, together with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, have been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize by parliamentary representative for the Liberal Party, Mrs. Solveig Schyts.

–At a time when the world is characterised by many major international challenges, whether it is climate change, war or pandemic, we need a counterweight to selfishness and nationalism. We must offer young people an opportunity to contribute to society, both locally and internationally, says Solveig Schytz, who also used to be head scout in the Norwegian Scout Association from 2010 to 2012.

WAGGGS stands for World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and is the international scout movement for girls. The organisation gathers girls all around common values across culture and religion and describes itselves as the largest voluntary Movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world. The diverse Movement represents ten million girls and young women from 152 countries.

In Norway, Scouts are first and foremost associated with outdoorlife, but the scout associations have different focus and different roles based on local conditions. Internationally, the scout movement is a strong force in peacebuilding work. Giving young people the opportunity to take responsibility and contribute to society is fundamental to the work.

Girls who are members of WAGGGS participate through innovative and non-formal education programmes, leadership development, advocacy work and community action, empowering girls and young women to develop the skills and confidence needed to make positive changes in their lives, in their communities and countries.

Norec has provided support to WAGGGS since 2015. Since then, 211 young girl-scouts have gained international experience through Norec-supported exchange projects in Burundi, Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Norec is proud to support WAGGG’s international exchange programme, which offers young women an opportunity to lead, influence and take action on both global and local issues.