WAGGGS

WAGGGS, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, is the global umbrella organization for national Guiding and Girl Scouting groups. It unites the world’s national organizations to support the development of girls and young women through non-formal education that emphasizes leadership, service, outdoor skills, and global citizenship. The federation aims to empower girls to make positive changes in their communities and the world.

Membership and structure are organized through national Guiding or Scouting associations that choose to be part of WAGGGS. The supreme decision-making body is the World Conference, which sets strategies and policies and is composed of representatives from member organizations. The World Board carries out the association’s governance between conferences, and a World Secretariat coordinates operations, programs, and communications. WAGGGS also maintains a network of World Centres and regional partners to support international learning experiences and exchanges.

Programs and activities focus on leadership development, personal growth, and community service. Members participate in a range of activities such as outdoor skills, STEM education, health and well-being programs, environmental projects, and advocacy for girls’ rights and inclusion. WAGGGS promotes international exchanges, global learning opportunities, and youth voice in decision-making, often in collaboration with partner organizations and international institutions.

Historically, WAGGGS traces its roots to the early international Guiding and Scouting movements that sought to coordinate activities across countries. Today, it operates in many nations and works to ensure girls and young women have opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute to society on a global scale.