HK hosts Asia-Pacific scout workshop on youth safety

The Scout Association of Hong Kong is hosting a significant regional workshop titled "Safe from Harm in Action: Strengthening Safeguarding through Implementation and Assessment" at the Hong Kong Scout Centre this week. 

The event, which opened today, brings together Scouting leaders and youth advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region to reinforce child protection measures in youth programs.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Benson Kwok Joon-fung, Director of Immigration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who commended the Scouting movement for its dedication to creating safe and inclusive environments for young people. 

The workshop builds upon previous regional Scouting initiatives, including the 2013 World Scout Education Congress and the 2023 Asia-Pacific Forum on Scouts for Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Wilson Lai Wai-sang, Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering safe spaces for youth development. 

He noted the participation of consular officials from various countries as a testament to the global commitment to youth safeguarding.

Jose Rizal Pangilinan, Regional Director of the World Scout Bureau’s Asia-Pacific Support Centre, highlighted the progress made in implementing the Safe from Harm framework across the region. 

The workshop aims to evaluate existing safeguarding policies, strengthen implementation strategies, and promote a culture of safety within National Scout Organizations. 

Participants will work on developing actionable roadmaps to enhance child protection measures in their respective countries.

The four-day event has drawn 50 delegates from 10 Asia-Pacific nations, featuring interactive sessions and best-practice discussions.

Kwok, in his keynote address, praised the collective efforts of Scouting leaders, experts, and advocates in translating safeguarding principles into tangible outcomes. 

He called on all stakeholders—including government officials, educators, and parents—to collaborate in ensuring safe environments for young people.

The Scout Association of Hong Kong reaffirmed its role as a regional leader in Scouting innovation and capacity-building, continuing its legacy of hosting major educational and developmental forums for the World Organization of the Scout Movement.