World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is Scouting's international umbrella organization. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Organization is composed of its recognized national Scout organizations. It is governed by the World Scout Conference, with the executive vested in the World Scout Committee. Administration is provided by the World Scout Bureau.
World Scout Bureau
The World Scout Bureau (formerly the International Bureau) is the secretariat that carries out the instructions of the World Scout Conference and the World Scout Committee. The World Scout Bureau is administered by the secretary general, who is supported by a small staff of technical resource personnel. The bureau staff helps associations improve and broaden their Scouting by training professionals and volunteers, establishing finance policies and money-raising techniques, improving community facilities and procedures, and assisting in marshaling the national resources of each country behind Scouting.
The staff also helps arrange global events such as the World Scout Jamborees, encourages regional events, and acts as a liaison between the Scouting movement and other international organizations. A major effort in the emerging nations is the extension of the universal Good Turn into an organizationwide effort for community development.
The World Scout Bureau is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has offices in six regional divisions:
- European Region: Geneva, Switzerland; Brussels, Belgium and Belgrade, Serbia
- Arab Region: Cairo, Egypt
- Africa Region: Nairobi, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; and Dakar, Senegal
- Asia-Pacific Region: Makati City|Makati City, Philippines; Australia; and Tokyo, Japan
- Interamerican Region: Santiago, Chile
- Eurasian Region: Gurzuf near Yalta, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia
International Scout Centres
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is associated with Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland which is operated by a separate not-for-profit corporation.
World Scout Jamboree
The World Scout Jamboree is held roughly every four years under the auspices of the WOSM, with members of WAGGGS also invited. WOSM also organises the World Scout Moot, a Jamboree for 17-26 year olds, and has organised the World Scout Indaba, a gathering for Scout leaders.
World Scout Foundation
The World Scout Foundation is a perpetual fund governed by a separate Board of Governors and supported by donations for the development of Scouting programs throughout the world.
The World Scout Foundation Board is composed of volunteers committed to Scouting, and who are successful in their fields of endeavour. It meets twice each year, with the active participation of its Honorary President, His Majesty the King of Sweden.
WOSM and the Unite Nations
The WOSM is the non-governmental organization (NGO), that represents the Scouting movement at the United Nations[1]. The WOSM and WAGGGS both have General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council ECOSOC of the United Nations.[2]