The World Scout Conference is the governing body and general assembly of Scouting. It is composed of the Movement's 173 National Scout Organization. The Conference aims to consider the policies and standards of the Scout Movement throughout the world, develop the World Organization's general policies, and take the action to advance the Movement.

The World Scout Committee is the executive body of WOSM. It is responsible for the implementation of the resolutions of the World Scout Conference and for acting on its behalf between its meetings. The Committee normally meets twice a year. Its Steering Committee, consisting of the Chairperson, two Vice-Chairpersons and the Secretary General, meets as needed.