XIII World Scout Youth Forum was held in Gabala with participation of 320 young people from 133 countries.

The XIII World Scout Youth Forum has started its work in Gabala. 320 young people from 133 countries took part in the Forum held by the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and the organizational support of World Organization of Scout Movement and Association of Scout of Azerbaijan. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum held at Qafqaz Resorte Hotel in Gabala, Joao Armando Gonçalves, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, the main executive body of the World Organization of the Scout Movement., gave information about the organization. He noted that, World Organization of Scout Movement operates in 224 countries and regions of the world, which has 40 million members. The Scout movement, founded in 1907, aims at helping young people to shape themselves as a person and to play a constructive role in the community and to participate in the creation of the best world. Then, Chairman of the World Scout Youth Forum and young consultant Jeremy Apert and Secretary-General of the World Organization of Scout Movement Ahmad Alhendawi made a speech. It was stressed that, Forum with the motto "Dream, Believe and Act" features a platform for communication between the 18-26 aged scouts and the exchange of young leaders' ideas.This Forum is the largest meeting in the history of Scout Movement according to the number of its participants and the variety of countries represented. The last Forum was held in Slovenia with participation of scouts from 95 countries. Young scouts will attend sessions for active civic positions and leadership, and participate in presentations at the XIII Forum. It was underscored that, the World Scout Youth Forum is a unique opportunity for a young generation to become a leader and contribute to the future of the movement. There will be interesting presentations showing social performance of all participants and their success in the development of society, and individual projects. At the event which will continue until August 10, participants will discuss various issues related to processes occurring in the world (environmental, social and other issues).  Within the framework of the Forum, each participant will demonstrate the history and traditions of his country, national costumes, cuisine, music and dance at the “Cultural night” to be held among young scouts. Young consultants of World Scout Committee for 2017-2020 years will be selected at the XIII Forum. The main purpose of young consultants is to create an opportunity to increase the role of young people in the decision-making process at the World Organization of Scout Movement. After the Forum, the 41st World Scout Conference will be held in Baku Congress Center on 14-18 August with the participation of young leaders. Speaking at the Forum, President of the Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan Ilyas Ismayilli said that, his organization was established in 1997 and became a member of the World Organization of Scout Movement in 2000. Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan, which plays an important role in the upbringing of the younger generation in our country, has more than 1750 members in 16 regions. Over the past three years, more than 200 local projects and events on scouting have been implemented by ASA. Every year the programs and summer camps are arranged for the members of organization who represent our country at international events. After the speeches, international event continued its work at the plenary sessions.