Dear Scouts, Dear friends of nature, It is my great pleasure to be the honorary president of the 40th World Scout Conference and the 12th World Scout Youth Forum, which are being hosted by the Scout Association of Slovenia in cooperation with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Both events will take place in the Republic of Slovenia in August 2014. The World Scout Conference is the highest decision-making body in the World Organization of the Scout Movement. It is there- fore essential not only for the functioning and the development of your organization, but also for the development of the entire movement of young Scouts who follow the guidelines of your message. The message, which will be the outcome of your gather- ing in Slovenia, is an extremely valuable one; therefore, I am sure that you will all – together – strive to achieve the very best of results during the two events. I do wish all of you great success, both in your personal lives and in spreading the positive spirit of Scouting. Yours in Scouting, President of the Republic Borut Pahor 2 Dear Friends in Scouting, It is a great pleasure and a privilege to invite you to Slovenia in 2014 for the 40th World Scout Conference and 12th World Scout Youth Forum. Slovenian Scouts are proud to have been awarded the honour and responsibility of hosting these two events. We are doing our utmost to ensure the Conference and the Forum are a success and that you enjoy your stay in our green country. Slovenia is a mountainous country, covered with forests and interlaced with clear rivers and streams, making it an excellent envi- ronment for Scouting. This is one of the reasons why Scouting took root in Slovenia in 1920’s and has been developing ever since, regardless of the dramatic changes that our part of Europe witnessed in the 20th century. We cherish our natural environment and our Scouting tradition, and we will be happy to share them with you during your stay here. The Conference and the Forum will contribute greatly to the further development of the Scouting movement in Slovenia by bring- ing the global Scouting idea closer to our young people and the public in general. This is particularly important in current times of economic crisis, when the values of Scouting are recognised by society as a whole, and more and more of our young people are joining our ranks. We look forward to a great event of World Scouting and to welcoming you at Rogla and in Ljubljana. Yours in Scouting, Jernej Stritih President Scout Association of Slovenia 3 SLOVENIA Halfway between London and Istanbul; a two-hour drive from Venice; a short trip from metropolises of Vienna and Prague – geographically, his- torically and culturally, Slove- nia has always had a European flavour. You can find the best of the whole continent in a relatively small area: moun- tains and lakes, the Mediterra- nean Sea, vast forests, ancient for bird conservation and the castles, and urban rhythms. conservation of habitat types and species. Stepping into Slovenia, one enters a stunning mixture of Slovenia is also a smart biological, landscape, and cul- choice for those seeking spa tural diversity. Over one third and wellness programmes of the country is protected un- with its rich tradition and a der the Natura 2000 network, long list of outstanding health determining reserved sites and tourist resorts. 4 Slovenia is one of the young- est democracies in Europe. It gained independence in 1991 after leaving the Yugo- slav federation. It won inter- national recognition almost immediately and became a member of the European Union in 2004. The local economy is becom- ing increasingly service ori- ented. Industry is very impor- tant with a high percentage of manufacturing, whereas agriculture has declined as an economic segment. Come to Slovenia and explore the diversity of Europe! 5 WORLD SCOUT YOUTH FORUM The World Scout Youth approach, helping them to northeast of Slovenia on a Forum is an educational tool develop skills in decision- plateau in the midst of wide to support the process of making which can be used forests and boasts a calm and developing youth partici- within Scouting and in the relaxing environment. pation in partnership with wider society. adults and young members The theme will be: One tree, in the oldest age sections. It The forum will take place many branches - symbolizing is an event that empowers from the 4th to 7th of August the unity and diversity of and inspires young people 2014 at Rogla (www.rogla.eu). Scouting. The theme will be through a participatory The venue is located in the complemented by three key Evening concepts: Our Movement, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Morning sessions Afternoon sessions Our Community, Our Future. Scouting, programme Sunday Arrivals The planning committee is It is my pleasure to invite 3 August striving towards an outdoors- young people from all around Monday Welcome Opening oriented event which will the world to join us at Rogla Teambuilding 4 August Divide into International Teams ceremony enable participants to return in August 2014 on behalf of the WSYF Planning Com- Scouts changing society to the roots of Scouting while Tuesday Society changing Scouts Slovenian discussing the future of the mittee. This will be a unique Recommendations session 5 August YA Candidates’presentations night movement. opportunity to collaborate, Project fair share experiences with your Youth Advisors Elections Scouts changing individuals peers and define the future of Wednesday Free our movement. Join us for this Individuals changing SPEAR workshop 6 August evening amazing, milestone event. Scouts on Recommendations We all look forward to meet- Thursday Intergenerational dialogue Recommendations (cont.) Closing ing you in Slovenia in 2014! 7 August Recommendations Evaluation ceremony Yours in Scouting, Felipe de Paulo Chairman 12th World Scout Youth Forum 6 JOIN US AT THE INTEREVENT Young adults participating in both events – the Youth Forum and the Conference – will be invited to take part in the inter-event programme which will take place from the 8th to 10th, August 2014. The programme will be based on three main pillars: discovery, nature and network. We are also planning a series of Scouting activities to give participants an insight into Scouting traditions, both in Slovenia and worldwide. The participants of the in- terevent will be given an op- portunity to discover Slove- nia’s natural treasures, while relaxing, strengthening their new bonds of friendship and simply enjoying Slovenia. 7 WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE The World Scout Confer- formulate the general policy ber countries, and select various workshops, concerts ence is the governing body, of the World Organization the venues for forthcoming and other entertainment and the “general assembly” of and take the action required World Scout Events, namely cultural events). Scouting, and is composed to further the purpose of World Scout Jamborees, The venue will not only of members from all of the the Movement. World Scout Moots, World provide a quality working National Scout Organizations Scout Conferences and World environment for the con- within WOSM. Its function Some of the functions of Scout Youth Forums. ference, but also give our is to consider the policy and the Conference are to elect guests an opportunity to standards of the Scout Move- members of the World Scout The 40th World Scout Confer- discover Ljubljana and enjoy ment throughout the world, Committee, admit new mem- ence will take place from the its pleasant summer vibe. 11th to 15th of August 2014 The Host Committee is also at Gospodarsko razstavišče planning various events for – Ljubljana Exhibition and participants at different loca- Convention Centre (www. tions, including Tivoli Park, ljubljanafair.com), the larg- Ljubljana Castle and Križanke est multifunctional events Summer Theatre. centre in the city centre of the Slovenian capital Lju- bljana. It hosts all types of business events on a regular basis (congresses, seminars, 8 LJUBLJANA Ljubljana lies halfway be- tween Vienna and Venice, at the crossroads of different cultures, geographical regions and historical developments. Besides having everything that all other modern capitals have, Ljubljana has succeeded in maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a small city. It is a very unique city, dotted with pleasant picturesque places where you can expect all kinds of nice little surprises. Both residents and numer- ous visitors alike perceive Ljubljana as a city made to the measure of man. Ljubljana’s old city centre is full of outstanding architec- ture, a medley of styles from Its character is mainly due Aemona), a Roman castrum different periods in history. to a unique and fortuitous in the Ljubljana Basin. On the The city had been bound mixture of two very different, other hand, it is a relatively together into one of the 20th but complementary features. young city with a modern life- century’s most amazing total On the one hand, the city is style whose residents’ average works of art by the world famed for its historical heri- age is only slightly above 40. famous architect and urban tage and tradition; the year Due to its geographical posi- planner Jože Plečnik, whose 2014 will mark 2000 years tion, Ljubljana is also a perfect masterpieces can also be seen since the founding of ancient base for exploring the many in Prague and Vienna. Emona (short for Colonia Iulia faces and beauties of Slovenia. 9 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE HOTELS HOTEL LEV BEST WESTERN PREMIER GRAND HOTEL UNION GRAND HOTEL UNION CENTRAL HOTEL www.hotellev.si HOTEL SLON EXECUTIVE BUSINESS www.centralhotel.si The Hotel Lev is located in www.hotelslon.com www.gh-union.si/executive www.gh-union.si/business The Central Hotel is a the very heart of Ljubljana, The BEST WESTERN Premier The Grand Hotel Union Exec- The Grand Hotel Union Busi- comfortable and recently just a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Slon is situated in the utive is the hotel renowned ness is a recently renovated renovated Ljubljana hotel.