Event Local
Mova22 | Swiss Scout Jamboree
27 Jul 2022 – 29 Jul 2022
Venue: Ulrichen, VS
For the first time in 15 years, the Swiss scout movement hosted a nation-wide camp with young people from all over the country and beyond. The Geneva Environment Network and other UN organizations from Geneva joined to camp to engage with youth on the importance of sustainable development.
About
From 23 July to 6 August 2022, more than 30,000 Swiss scouts gathered in the Goms Valley, experiencing two weeks of outdoor activities, sharing of experience and learning. The Swiss National Jamboree 2022 “Mova” camp is targeted at youth from 7 to 18 years old, with many more volunteer staff to make it all happen. The UN office in Geneva took part in the camp, allowing children and teenagers to discover the importance of the SDGs through various activities.
The Geneva Environment Network spent a few days at the camp to dive into environmental issues addressed by the United Nations and other stakeholders in Geneva. With a focus on plastic pollution, climate change, endangered species and the right to a healthy environment, the team provided young people with a better understanding of some key environmental challenges and how they can contribute to a society that lives in harmony with nature.
Learning Activities
As we face the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the GEN team at Mova engaged with youth about what it means to protect and promote the environment globally. While many young people are aware of environmental issues through the media, the planned activities aimed to create a positive and action-focused message on how to address these challenges.
- Right to a healthy environment | While the camp took place, the UN General Assembly was set to vote on recognizing the right to a healthy environment for all, a historic decision which was successful adopted on 28 July! During the camp, scouts were invited to discover what the right to a healthy environment means, why it matters, and to show their support on the spot and on social media.
- Climate change | Young scouts learned about concrete actions to mitigate climate change through a sports game. Based on the IPCC report on Mitigation of Climate Change, the game focused on the need for urgent action at all levels of society, including the individual actions that young people can take.
- Plastic pollution | Through an exhibition, scouts could explore the hidden impacts of plastic pollution across its lifecycle. Earth Overshoot Day, which landed during the camp, created an opportunity to discuss what it means to use resources sustainably and preserve the environment from pollution.
- Endangered species | Using their creativity and talent, scouts could discover endangered species from Switzerland and abroad. The activity provided them with a better understanding of the importance of international cooperation to protect these species, in particular through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
UN Participation at Mova
We are happy to be participating in the largest gathering of #scouts in Switzerland in 15 years! Together with partners from International Geneva, @UNGeneva is holding workshops and giving lectures on #GlobalGoals, human rights and more at #Mova22. pic.twitter.com/CgLWOrvMi2
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) July 28, 2022
Under the coordination of the UN Information Service in Geneva, various UN institutions joined the camp to present their work and contribution to the SDGs.