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GLB-C16-2026
Dear friends,
Following the publication of the proposed WOSM Registration Fee Model, consultations across all regions have continued, including technical briefings and dialogue campfires. Through the full consultation process, we engaged with more than 85 National Scout Organizations (NSOs).
Throughout the consultations, we reiterated our rationale for the proposed model, heard back from NSOs, and took note of the following feedback and reflections:
- Consensus that the current registration fee system is no longer sustainable and requires reform.
- Overall, the proposed model received positive feedback and support, particularly for the work undertaken and the approach proposed.
- Understanding that the aim of the proposed model is to distribute contributions more fairly across the Scout Movement without increasing World Scouting’s annual income.
- A strong preference for a fee structure that is as simple and easy to understand as possible.
- Questions from some NSOs around the use of gross national income (GNI) per capita as an indicator of economic capacity. (Note: While no single indicator can fully reflect the circumstances of every NSO, GNI per capita was retained as the most suitable basis for the model: it is transparent, internationally comparable, regularly updated, and available consistently across the Movement. Alternative indicators were considered, but would either introduce additional complexity, rely on less consistently available data, or create new limitations of their own.)
- The importance of a transition period to provide Member Organizations with time to plan and adapt.
- Continued and significant concern around the overall affordability and accessibility of World Scout events. (Note: While this cannot be addressed through the registration fee model alone, the proposed resolution includes a clear mandate for further work on the affordability and accessibility of World Scout events ahead of the 44th World Scout Conference.)
- Understanding that delaying a decision until the next World Scout Conference in November 2027, with implementation subsequently only possible from October 2028 onwards, would pose significant financial challenges for both NSOs and World Scouting.
Following these consultations, and in accordance with Article XI (4) of the WOSM Constitution, the World Scout Committee decided on 20 July 2026 to put forward a motion through a referendum to Member Organizations inviting them to vote on the:
- Adoption of the WOSM Registration Fee Model
- Future work on the costs of World Scout events
To support you in your decision process, a background document was designed outlining why the current system needs reform, the principles guiding the proposal and how the model works. Further information is also included on what this means for your own NSOs and the consultation process.
Please find as an annex to this circular the voting procedures and ballot form, which details the instructions on how to cast your NSO’s vote. These details can also be readily found on the dedicated Treehouse page.
A two-thirds majority of votes cast is required for the first question of the resolution to be approved. A simple majority is required for the second question. If approved, new registration fees will take effect as of the fiscal year 2026/27. Changes to event fee categorisation will take effect with the start of the 2027-2030 Triennium. The existing event fee categories will remain in place for the Conference and Jamboree in 2027.
On behalf of the World Scout Committee, I would like to request all International Commissioners to bring the proposed referendum at the earliest possible opportunity to the attention of your national leadership and subsequently cast your organisation’s ballot before 31 August 2026.
Yours in Scouting,
David Berg
Secretary General
World Scouting