UK, USA, and Singapore Decide to Leave Saemangeum Jamboree Early

The World Organization of the Scout Movement Recommends Suspension of the Event

Philippines, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia Announce Continued Participation

The 25th Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree has reached its 6th day since opening, but the atmosphere of the event remains unsettled due to the continued occurrence of heat-related illnesses and controversies over poor management.

In this situation, some countries have even decided to leave early, raising concerns about damage to the national image.

According to the Jamboree Organizing Committee on the 5th, among the 155 participating countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore have officially announced their intention to withdraw.

Starting with the United Kingdom, which has the largest number of participants, followed by the United States and Singapore, they announced their withdrawal, and the World Organization of the Scout Movement also recommended suspending the event, leading to analyses that the jamboree is effectively in crisis.

On the afternoon of the 5th, Dale Covera, Scout Asia-Pacific Regional Chair and Head of the Philippine Delegation, expressed his intention to remain at the Jamboree during a press conference with representatives from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina.
[Photo by Kim Geonwan]

The UK Scout delegation's advance party of about 1,000 people completed preparations to move from the morning and departed the jamboree campsite around 12:30 PM, heading to Seoul.

The US Scout delegation is expected to withdraw on the morning of the 6th, heading to the Pyeongtaek US military base.

Singapore has also decided on early withdrawal. The withdrawal date has not been announced, and the delegation consists of a total of 67 participants, including 40 youths.

Of course, some countries have officially declared their intention to remain. These include the Philippines, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia.

At 1 PM that day, Dale Coberra, Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region (President of the Philippine Scout Association), Marina Rostin (Chair of Argentina), and Hamad Alaya (Chair of Saudi Arabia) visited the Jamboree Press Center and stated their commitment to participate in the jamboree until the end.

Among the countries that expressed their intention to stay at this Saemangeum Jamboree, the Philippines sent 401 participants, Saudi Arabia 113, and Argentina about 70 students and leaders.

In their joint statement, they said, “Heat and humidity are the biggest challenges, making activities inside and outside the camp difficult, but the Korean government is making its best efforts to manage the risks,” adding, “Although extreme weather continues, we will do our best to accept these conditions and continue participating in the event.”

Chairman Dale Coberra said, “This announcement was not made in consultation with all 33 chairs of the Asia-Pacific region, and I plan to meet and persuade several national delegation leaders in the Asian region.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.