At this year’s Economic Forum in Karpacz, the Jamboree Team unveiled the vision for the 26th World Scout Jamboree, which will take place in 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland. For the first time, our 150 m² zone became a lively hub where Forum participants could discover what lies ahead – an extraordinary, once-in-a-decade gathering for tens of thousands of young people from around the globe.
The Forum itself, often referred to as the “Polish Davos”, is the largest annual meeting of political, business, and social leaders in Central and Eastern Europe. Each September it brings together heads of state, ministers, mayors, experts, and NGO leaders to debate the future of the region and its place in the world. Against this backdrop, the Jamboree stood out as a project that unites education, civic values, and international cooperation – themes that strongly resonate with the Forum’s focus on innovation and dialogue across borders.
A highlight came on 2 September, when Martyna Kowacka, Chief Commissioner of the Polish Scouting Association opened a special session with Andrzej Duda, former President of Poland (2015–2025), and Gdańsk’s Deputy Mayor Piotr Grzelak. Duda praised the Jamboree’s potential to showcase Poland internationally and underlined how Gdańsk’s heritage and infrastructure make it a perfect host. He described the Jamboree as not only a chance for international integration, but also an opportunity to demonstrate Poland’s openness and hospitality.
Deputy Mayor Grzelak emphasised that choosing Gdańsk was about creating a unique experience for both Scouts and residents. He spoke about the cultural, touristic, and economic benefits and highlighted the importance of engaging Polish businesses as partners. Duda echoed this, encouraging companies to see the Jamboree as a gateway to a global youth audience. The days in Karpacz also included numerous meetings with representatives of the business sector, exploring opportunities for partnership and sponsorship to support the Jamboree on its way to 2027.
The Jamboree Team also joined the panel How to Educate for the Future?, which brought together voices from education, government, and civil society. The discussion focused on equipping young people with the skills and values they will need in a rapidly changing world. Christine Pollithy, Member of the World Scout Committee, made a strong impression by highlighting the unique role of Scouting in preparing young people for future challenges through non-formal education and international exchange. Her intervention underlined that the Jamboree is not only a major event but also a laboratory of ideas on how to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation.
The Forum conversations often returned to the spirit of Scouting itself. Grzelak described it as a movement that nurtures cooperation, responsibility, and belief in the power of community, while Duda stressed its role in teaching independence and responsibility through experiences that are both meaningful and exciting for young people.
Throughout the Forum, the Jamboree Team carried this spirit into further debates, networking events, and meetings with partners. They welcomed ideas, built new relationships, and invited everyone to be part of the vision shaping the World Scout Jamboree in 2027.
