Dear friends,
On behalf of the entire World Board, I am pleased to share with you this update.
REPORTS
WAGGGS 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
As mentioned in the October World Board Update, the Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2023 are now available for viewing and download on the WAGGGS website.
Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2023
ACTION PLAN AND BUDGET 2025
At its December meeting, the World Board approved WAGGGS’s Action Plan and Budget for 2025. We look forward to sharing more details with you during the next Global Update session in April 2025.
FINANCES
At its December meeting, the World Board also reviewed WAGGGS’s finances for the third quarter of 2024 (July-September) and is pleased to share the Quarterly Financial Report for Q3 2024. Additionally, the World Board approved an update to the Reserves Policy during this meeting.
WORLD CENTRES REVIEW
At the 38th World Conference, Motion 9 was passed, tasking the World Board to evaluate and publish, by 31 December 2024, a report on the future of the World Centres. This was to include assessing how the World Centres align with the global strategy, how they contribute to WAGGGS' mission and Compass 2032, and whether they are core elements of WAGGGS.
The World Board is pleased to present the World Centre Evaluation Report. It provides an in-depth evaluation of the World Centres, examining their operations, financial sustainability, and alignment with WAGGGS' global strategy.
World Centre Evaluation Report
Drawing on data, stakeholder input, and feedback, the report highlights key achievements, challenges, and makes important recommendations for the future of the Centres.
WAGGGS remains committed to ensuring strong and responsible management of the World Centres. Further research in 2025 will help guide the World Board in shaping the strategic direction for the Centres in this triennium.
UPDATES
MEMBERSHIP FEE POLICY
At the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in September 2024, Member Organisations voted to continue using the 'rate-per-member' fee methodology, originally introduced in 2015, with some important adjustments. The changes come into effect from 1 January 2025 and all Member Organisations have already received their membership fee invoice for 2025 based on the methodology agreed at the EGM. The deadline for payment is 31 January 2025.
WAGGGS has now updated the Membership Fee Policy to reflect the changes approved at the EGM and is pleased to share the revised policy with you.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT UPDATE
As mentioned in the last World Board update, applications for the Chief Executive of WAGGGS closed on 21 October 2024. We are pleased to report a strong response, with a diverse range of applicants from around the globe. After a thorough review, 12 candidates were long-listed, and five outstanding individuals were selected to advance to the final interview stage.
The World Board is now in the final stages of the selection process and anticipates being able to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive in early February 2025.
COMING UP IN 2025
GOVERNANCE REVIEW
WAGGGS is continuing to align its work with the delivery of the 2024-2029 Strategy, and within Strategic Outcome 3 - ‘A sustainable WAGGGS’, we are reviewing various aspects of the organisation’s operations to enhance practices, quality, and sustainability. As part of this ongoing improvement process, we will be conducting a governance review aimed at evaluating and strengthening our governance structures and processes.
What is the governance review?
The governance review project will address key governance issues raised through Motion 7 passed at the 38th World Conference and Motion 24 passed at the 37th World Conference, including: the composition and term lengths of the World Board, the format of World and Regional Conferences, and the overall governance cycle. A central focus of the review, as highlighted in Motion 7, will be increasing the participation of young women in governance roles, in line with motions passed at recent World Conferences.
When will the review take place?
The governance review will take place from late 2024 through to the 39th World Conference in 2026, with consultations with Member Organisations taking place during 2025. We look forward to sharing further details with you in the next World Board update.
REGIONAL CONFERENCES – REGIONAL COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
Planning for the 2025 Regional Conferences has already begun and nominations are now open in all regions for members of the Regional Committees for the 2025-2028 triennium! If you have a volunteer with the vision, skills and dedication to serve our Movement at the regional level, please review the nominations materials and consider submitting a nomination. Reflecting on Motion 3 passed at the 37th World Conference in July 2021 that as far as practicable every newly elected Regional Committee should have at least two members under the age of 30, please ensure that you also consider young women under thirty when reviewing possible nominees.
SAVE THE DATE – WORLD THINKING DAY 2025 WEBINAR
Join us on Saturday 25th January 2025 at 13:00 - 14:00 UTC for a thought-provoking and reflective webinar to explore the World Thinking Day 2025 theme and reflect on our shared history as a Movement.
This year’s theme ‘Our Story’ focuses on exploring the history, symbolism, and core values of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement, with a special emphasis on acknowledging the impact of colonialism and the ongoing efforts for reconciliation. We will also look forward to how our organisations can continue to evolve in dynamic, inclusive, and youth-led ways.
Through the activities in the 2025 WTD activity pack, participants will have the opportunity to engage in reflective activities and share ideas on how to foster a more inclusive and meaningful Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting experience. We are also pleased to feature a case study from Girl Guides of Canada, showcasing their work with the National Indigenous Advisory Circle and how this group has shaped the development of their programmes, training, and policies.
If you have any questions you would like to ask the World Board, please email [email protected]
As we come to the close of another year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership and support. Together, we have achieved so much, and we look forward to the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring.
Here's to continuing our shared journey toward making a meaningful impact and our 2032 vision of being a girl-led Movement where every and any girl feels confident to lead and empowered to create a better world together.
Wishing you a wonderful end to this year and a bright, fulfilling start to the next!
Yours in Guiding and Scouting,
Candela Gonzalez
Chair of the World Board
