Foreword by the Secretary General

Good governance and professional management

This triennium saw an overhaul of WOSM’s internal operations, driven by the World Scout Committee’s commitment to strategic governance and the World Scout Bureau’s revitalisation agenda. We rewired the Bureau, adopting Thematic Teams across Regions, and pioneered a more modern and agile approach to project management, working together with volunteers and putting a clear focus on serving the needs of NSOs. We also made a commitment to diversity and inclusion across our global workforce.

We moved to a more representative Senior Management Team and significantly increased the number of women in leadership positions. We also provided more opportunities for young people to join the Bureau by expanding our internship programme. Looking at our financial management, for the first time we developed a fully integrated approach across Regions to our budgeting process through a three-year Master Operational Plan. The reform made sure we better aligned priorities across our Regions and made more efficient use of our financial resources.

Despite the financial challenges caused by the pandemic, WOSM with the support of the World Scout Foundation provided provisions to support NSOs financially, and we reported balanced budgets throughout the triennium. And as part of prudent financial management, we made the necessary budget cuts to weather the income shortfalls and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On track towards Vision 2023 and beyond

In conclusion, we can confidently report that our Movement is on track towards Vision 2023 and beyond. Our unity is stronger, our impact is evident, our influence is making a difference, and our growth is a reminder that the world needs more Scouts. As we transition to the last triennium of Vision 2023, let us build on this momentum to create the much needed positive change that the world so urgently needs

Yours in Scouting,

Ahmad Alhendawi Secretary General World Organization of the Scout Movement.