H.M. Konungens tal vid “Baden-Powell Fellowship Dinner and Ceremony" i Kuala Lumpur, den 6 april 2008
Dear Friends, I am very pleased to be back in Kuala Lumpur after such a short time. Last visit was much too short, so I decided together with Her Majesty to come back again. It is a great pleasure and honor to see so many esteemed leaders of industry from Malaysia, leaders who have made a difference in companies, in the society and in the world. We who have gathered here tonight have one thing in common — we are all leaders who care about the world we live in. In particular, we care about the young people who are going to carry on our traditions and our heritage. We who are here tonight are concerned about the future and we want to do what we can to help. We are concerned because while we live in an increasingly globalized world, people never seem to have felt so isolated before. Fewer and fewer people want to take on the role as leaders — fewer people are prepared to stand up and be counted, to take on responsibility. But after having seen the Gifts for Peace Photo Exhibition just outside this room, I feel there is hope. It tells us about young people who are prepared to lead and to make a difference. Young people who have crossed the street an ethnic or political divide in order to be able to assist. They have offered a hand of friendship to help others. The exhibition includes photos from nine countries. But remember, we have 28 million scouts in altogether 160 countries, all doing similar things. All influencing the development in their own communities, societies and nations. This gives sign of hope. Making the hope come true needs support, though. Therefore I challenge you tonight, leaders of the world, in the same way that I have done so many times before, in many cities. I challenge you to join me and the rest of the Baden-Powell Fellow Family to help keep this hope alive for millions of young people throughout the world. Among us today there are a number of Baden-Powell Fellows who have joined me on many journeys across the globe. You are convinced of the importance of this Movement and I know you have many stories to tell to illustrate this. You can identify the BP Fellows by the little golden pin they are wearing. I have asked each of them to share a message with you at your table. I am sure you will be impressed by what they can tell. Actually, I hope you will be so touched that you will join us later tonight as Baden-Powell Fellows. The Family is always open to new members. Big is beautiful! But first, please enjoy your dinner and the entertainment. I look forward to welcoming you on stage somewhat later this evening. Have a good time! Thank you.