World Thinking Day (WTD) is annually observed across the globe on 22 February by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in over 150 countries around the world. The day is celebrated as the day of international friendship and sisterhood, and aims to empower young girls and women across the world.
- The day also raises funds for the development of 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe.
The theme of WTD 2024 is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Global Poverty”.
Note: WTD is annually observed and organised by World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the largest voluntary movement dedicated to empowering girls and young women in the world.
WTD 2022-2024: Environmental Focus Across Years:
i.The 2024 observance of WTD signifies a culmination of the 3-year journey for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts toward creating environmentally aware leaders.
ii.The themes of WTD from 2022 to 2024 focused on “Our World, Our Future”, the initiative seeks into environmental issues from the perspective of gender equality, peace, and poverty:
- 2022 – Our World, Our Equal Future: The environment and gender equality;
- 2023 – Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The environment and peace;
- 2024 – Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Global Poverty.
Background:
i.In 1926, Girl Scouts and Guides delegates from around the world met in the United States of America (USA) for the 4th WAGGGS World Conference and declared the 22 February of every year as Thinking Day, a special day for Guides and Girl Scouts across the world.
ii.In 1999, at the 30th World Conference in Dublin, Ireland, delegates from around the world renamed the day from Thinking Day to ‘World Thinking Day.’
Note: The new name was chosen to clearly emphasise the global nature of the celebration and it was renamed with a focus on fundraising to support the international Movement.
Why February 22?
February 22 marks the birth anniversary of Lord Baden-Powell, Founder of the Boy Scout Movement, and 1st Chief Scout of the World; and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide.
World Thinking Day Fund:
i.WTD Fund was established in 1932 and it collects funds from members around the world, to support their fellow Guides and Scouts.
- The funds will be used to help and support the poor and needy across the world.
ii.The fund provides girls and Member Organisations with life-changing opportunities to transform their community and their world.
iii.The fund has also been used to help achieve the strategic goals of WAGGGS.
About World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS):
WAGGGS was formed in 1928 at the 5th International Conference in Hungary.
Chief Executive Officer– Anna Segall
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
