GLB-C04-2025
Dear friends,
In line with Resolution 2024-02, the World Scout Committee agreed at its meeting in November 2024 on the terms of reference of a task force that will lead the first phase of the review of WOSM’s registration fee model. It also appointed Martin Meier, a World Scout Committee member, as the chairperson of that task force.
The task force will ensure a comprehensive review of the current fee model, potential alternatives, and their impact on World Scouting’s overall funding model. This will ensure that the proposal presented at the 2027 World Scout Conference is fair and equitable for National Scout Organizations (NSOs), sustainable for WOSM’s operations, and supportive of the Movement’s growth.
As part of its work, the task force will assess the current registration fee system, review past proposals (notably from the 2017-2021 triennium), and explore alternative models that reflect the diversity of NSOs and the needs of the Movement. It will also examine regional approaches and external benchmarks to identify best practices. A key priority will be engaging NSOs through consultations at upcoming Regional Scout Conferences and through dedicated webinars, ensuring their perspectives shape the process.
These consultations are expected to take place in the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026, supporting the development of a model for approval by the World Scout Committee by September 2026. A final proposal will be shared with NSOs towards the end of 2026, enabling sufficient time to discuss and reflect on any minor tweaks required prior to the 2027 World Scout Conference.
The task force will consist of individuals from World and Regional Scout Committees and NSOs, including experts in finance, governance, data modelling, mathematical models, and historical insight into the evolution of WOSM’s fee model. A list of appointees will be shared in April 2025 together with other appointments in the 2024-2027 Operational Framework.
The success of this process depends on the active participation of NSO leadership, particularly those in charge of financial oversight. Please ensure that your NSO entries for WOSM Annual Registration Fee, Finance, or Treasurer, in the World Scout Directory are up to date. This will help us reach the right individuals during consultations.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all NSOs that completed their registration fee payments for the current year, including the 5% increase for inflation adjustment. I am very conscious this is not a straightforward ask for many in these financially challenging times.
Should you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact Marko Pankovski, Senior Manager, Data and Research at the World Scout Bureau, by sending an email to [email protected].
Yours in Scouting,
David Berg
Acting Secretary General
World Scouting