The Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee (AP RSC) met on 16-18 October 2026 in Yangon, Myanmar, hosted by Myanmar Scouts and conducted in a hybrid format to allow those not able to travel to join online. The meeting brought together Regional Scout Committee members, Sub-Committee Chairs, Task Force Chairs, and APR Consultants to review regional priorities, assess progress, and strengthen collaboration across the Region.
Below are key highlights and decisions made from the discussions:
- Asia-Pacific Team Charter and Conflict of Interest: The Chair reminded the Committee to anchor on the Team Charter and Conflict of Interest before starting the meeting.
- Safe from Harm: The Committee noted that to date 78.8% of APR NSOs have submitted their Safe from Harm Self-Assessment, and encouraged all NSOs to follow up on outstanding requirements for them to be compliant, being the only Region where the Safe from Harm mechanism is in the Constitution.
- Youth leadership and participation: Progress on Regional Scout Conference resolutions was reviewed, including the target of 30% representation of members below 30 years of age, ensuring greater youth participation in decision-making. The Governance and Strategic Transformation Sub-Committees also thoroughly discussed and presented the matter of co-opting young people.
- Asia-Pacific Scout Foundation: The Committee secured its investment with the World Scout Foundation by assigning the World Scout Bureau, Inc., as its Trustee in Switzerland. The formal agreement was signed.
Scouting in China: The Committee discussed the roadmap for exploring Scouting in China, recognising the sensitive geopolitical context and the need for a coordinated approach with continued support from the World Scout Bureau and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
It maintains a clear position that Scouting in the Region cannot be considered complete while young people on the Chinese mainland have no access to the Scout programme. The Committee agreed that work should progress to explore the feasibility of Scouting in China through a governmental “top-down” approach, facilitated by the networks of our NSOs in Hong Kong and Macau.
While this matter is ongoing, the Committee reaffirmed that, as a principal condition and foundation for the entire process, the full WOSM membership rights and status of the current Member Organizations in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are to be maintained, preserved, and safeguarded.
It further reviewed the relevant existing naming conventions, designations, and institutional practices applied in this context under WOSM's frameworks, inconsistencies of these with relevant UN nomenclature and UN resolutions, and requested support from the World Scout Committee to take this file forward, following consultations with our NSOs in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
- 33rd APR Scout Jamboree, 2025, Philippines: Accepted the recommendations from the 33rd Asia-Pacific Jamboree, presented by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, serving as a guideline in preparation for the forthcoming 34th APR Jamboree in Thailand, scheduled for December 2029.
- Regional programmes and financial oversight: Reports from the Regional Director, Regional Treasurer, Asia-Pacific Scout Foundation and APR Scout Bazaar were reviewed, alongside updates from Sub-Committees and Task Forces. The Regional Treasurer’s Report and next year's budget were endorsed. The Committee emphasised effective governance, sound financial management, collective leadership, and accountability.
Sub-Committee and Task Force Chairs were encouraged to draw more actively on the expertise of Regional Scout Committee members. A consolidated action note will establish agreed activities, responsibilities, deadlines and expected deliverables for follow-up.
Follow-up Meeting with Myanmar Scouts Leaders
A follow-up meeting was held on 18 October 2026 with Myanmar Scouts leaders to review organisational priorities, ongoing regional support and opportunities for sustainable growth.
Dr. Tin Nyo, Chief Commissioner of the Myanmar Scouts, expressed appreciation for the Region’s continued support and the opportunity for Myanmar Scouts to host the meeting. As Myanmar Scouting celebrates its 110th anniversary, he highlighted efforts to rebuild and strengthen Scouting since national activities resumed in 2024. These include revitalising school and community programmes, training adult leaders, building partnerships, and supporting community service and humanitarian initiatives following the devastating 2025 earthquake. He underscored the importance of strong governance, committed volunteers, relevant youth programmes and safe environments, expressing hope that the meeting would strengthen regional solidarity and inspire practical action for young people.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Myanmar Scouts and the World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre to continued cooperation to strengthen organisational capacity, develop adult leadership, improve programme delivery, and support sustainable membership growth.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the 110th anniversary of Myanmar Scouting. The anniversary programme celebrated the Association’s long-standing contribution to youth development and community service, while reaffirming its commitment to rebuilding and strengthening Scouting in Myanmar. The occasion also highlighted the importance of continued regional solidarity, partnerships and support in expanding Scouting opportunities for young people across the country.
Mohd Zin Bidin
Chair, APR Scout Committee