Your Royal Highness, supporters of the Olave Baden-Powell Society, distinguished guests.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you, old friends as well as new. It is wonderful to be back in Pune after 10 years.

Having you all together in one room fills me with hope and belief.

It indicates our common commitment to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, and our pursuit of the same goal: to help girls and young women to be the best they can be and thereby becoming responsible citizens of the world.

India was one of the founding members of our movement. It is also home to our Sangam World Centre, which is celebrating its 50 year anniversary this year. I am sure you will agree it is a fitting place to host our event. Happy birthday Sangam!
I would like to thank our wonderful Host Committee, who has worked tirelessly to create a successful event that truly demonstrates the importance and values of our Movement.

When we mark such milestones, it reminds me of the strength of this organisation and how it continues to provide skills and support to girls and young women around the world.
With your support we ensure that girls can speak out in the face of adversity and become the leaders they and the world deserve. We are also giving girls and young women the tools they need to set the agenda and respond to issues that matter the most to them.

Over the past year, we have seen many issues affecting girls and women come to the front line.

Earlier this year the world’s attention turned to the refugee crisis.
It is a major issue, and one that disproportionately affects girls. According to the Women’s Refugee Commission, 42 million people have fled their homes because of war; 80 per cent of these are women and children – these numbers are horrifying.

Determined not to be bystanders, the Greek Girl Guide Association has been on the ground, taking action for refugees over the past 18 months. So far they have supported approximately 20,000 refugees with donations of food, clothes and comfort.

Girl Guides have been doing similar work in many other locations across the world. Our global girls have the tools and determination to help others in need and they show courage.

Violence against girls is an ongoing issue – weekly and monthly.

In fact, girls and young women from across India have taken to the streets in big crowds to protest against violence against women and make their voices heard.

They are united, they are passionate, and they are determined to stand up for each other.

In a bold, ambitious move to reverse these crises the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development have been put in place. However, if these goals are to be achieved it is imperative that the voices of girls and young women are taken into account.

As we take a look around the world today, there are many girls and young women who are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder to speak up for their future. Like Malala Yousafzai, they refuse to be victims. They are survivors, fighters and trailblazers. They know if they stay silent, nothing will change.

They are self-conscious and have self-esteem. They are worthy of our support.

Through WAGGGS’ hands-on leadership training we are ensuring that girls can be the change they want to see in the world. WAGGGS’ programmes help girls and young women develop an active voice – a voice that will help to bring positive change to their lives, to their communities, and to our world.

Throughout this event and your time in India, I hope you will take the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas about how we can continue to reach out to every girl in every corner of this world.

We see how Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting prepare girls and young women to do their best and to help change the world for the better. We are and should be proud of what these girls are doing, for themselves and for others, and they deserve the full support from us all.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters for your ongoing commitment to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. It is your generosity that allows us to continue this crucial work.  
Together we will help future generations of girls and young women to reach their full potential, determine their own lives, and bring about real change to the world.

Thank you.