Code of Conduct

A Brave Space for all

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is committed to creating a Brave Space for everyone attending the 39th World Conference. A ‘Brave Space’ is a safe, inclusive and empowering environment in which every and any individual can feel confident to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to learn and grow.

This Code of Conduct supports the creation of a Brave Space by outlining the standards of behaviour expected from all delegates, volunteers, partners, and organisers. The Code is based on the WAGGGS organisational values promoting integrity, kindness, and respect, ensuring diversity is celebrated and that every voice is heard. It reminds those in positions of influence to lead by example, maintain clear boundaries, and use their authority responsibly.

It reaffirms the zero-tolerance approach that WAGGGS has to all forms of racism, abuse, harassment, or exploitation. We expect all attendees to contribute to an inclusive, welcoming environment aligned with WAGGGS policies relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and WAGGGS’s Statement on Anti-racism.

Our shared aim for the Conference is to foster dialogue, cooperation, and collective progress while upholding WAGGGS’s mission: to enable girls and young women to reach their fullest potential as responsible global citizens. By adhering to this Code, we create a safe, supportive and inclusive community in which we can work towards WAGGGS’s vision for an equal world where all girls can thrive.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to

all participants at the 39th WAGGGS World Conference, including the Get Ready for World Conference and Olave Baden-Powell Society events.
all spaces and formats of the Conference - including plenary sessions, workshops, social events, online or virtual platforms associated with the event and social media.

Duty to Uphold the Code of Conduct

Everyone attending the Conference is responsible for reading, understanding, and upholding this Code of Conduct. You must report any concerns or breaches you become aware of. Failure to report a known breach is itself considered a violation of this Code.

Reports can be made through any of the following mechanisms:

Speaking directly to a Listening Ear Team Member.
Informing a member of the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC) or WAGGGS Global Team.
Emailing [email protected].
In emergencies outside programme hours, calling the emergency safeguarding hotline (tel./whatsapp +447395261372).

All reports will be handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially, in accordance with WAGGGS’s Safeguarding Policy.

General Conduct and Responsibilities

I will:

Represent the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement with integrity, honesty, and professionalism and behave in accordance with WAGGGS Organisational Values.
- Contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where discrimination, harassment, racism, intimidation, and hurtful language are not tolerated, and where everyone can share their views openly and safely.
  - Treat others with respect, tolerance, and sensitivity, recognising the diversity of national, cultural, and personal backgrounds within our Movement.
  - Support intergenerational leadership and shared power throughout all Conference spaces and interactions– enabling Meaningful Youth Participation across the Movement.
  - Seek opportunities to learn and grow through participating constructively and respectfully in all sessions and activities.
  - Comply with the laws of Cambodia and the WAGGGS Safeguarding Policy.

2. Commitment to Safeguarding and Inclusion

I will:

Treat others with respect, tolerance, and sensitivity regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, political views, religious belief, socio-economic background, disability, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
Not take part in or tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination, racism or harassment.
Be mindful of power dynamics and approach conflicts with fairness, respect, accountability, and a commitment to reaching positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Understand the importance of positive and enthusiastic consent in all interactions and will pay attention to power dynamics and how they may affect others’ comfort or ability to say “no”.
Only interact with 16–17-year-old Conference participants in open, observable or appropriately supervised environments.

Commitment to Positive Communication
I will:

Be open, honest, use active listening, share constructive feedback, and ask questions to ensure understanding.
Consider situations from multiple perspectives and value the diversity of opinions and experiences of others.
Be mindful of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and different communication styles.

Safety and Wellbeing
I will:

Follow health and safety rules (from GGAC, Sokha Hotel, and the WAGGGS Global Team), emergency procedures, and report any hazards or incidents. This includes being proactive in seeking medical assistance if you feel unwell and isolating to prevent the spread of infection to other attendees.
I will report any safeguarding concerns or incidents immediately and maintain confidentiality, as specified in the WAGGGS Safeguarding Policy.
Be kind to myself, valuing self-care and wellbeing and seek support when needed.
Support others in managing their wellbeing and foster an environment that encourages balance, understanding, and care.

Online Behaviour and Safety (including social media and online communication tools)

I will:

Demonstrate the same level of respect and integrity virtually and in-person including on Social Media Platforms.
Be mindful of tone, language, and content, ensuring all communications are inclusive and free from harassment or discriminatory remarks.
Not share or engage with content that is harmful, offensive, or discriminatory.
Protect the privacy of all attendees, seeking consent before taking and/or sharing personal information, images, or recordings.

Consequences of Misconduct

Breaches of this Code, whether occurring in person or online, will be treated with the same seriousness. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

Formal warnings;
Removal from the event;
Referral to WAGGGS’s Safeguarding team;
Notification of Member Organisation leadership; and/or
Referral to law enforcement as required.

The Conference Chairing Team and, where necessary, local authorities, will determine the appropriate response to any breach.

If an issue cannot be resolved through the mechanisms outlined in this document, it may be escalated by submitting a complaint to [email protected], following the WAGGGS Whistleblowing Policy.

Key Supporting Policies and Resources: