CEO Update: Q1, 2024
Operational highlights for Q1
Your quarterly inside track on the work of the World Scout Foundation from CEO, Mark Knippenberg.
WSF 2022–2030 Strategy Review
Following the growth and development we have seen over the past two years since the implementation of our new Strategy, the Board appointed an advisory group to review the recent successes and prepare recommendations for some key adjustments toward our 2030 goal. This process will allow us to ensure a data-driven approach and to better allocate resources to our activities in support of our goal to raise USD 100 million for World Scouting.
Committees of the Board
The staff continues to work closely with the Committees of the Board to make progress on our strategy implementation. In the first quarter, we have taken steps to ensure the sound renewal of our tax exemption status and ensure alignment with our financial portfolio. In close collaboration with WOSM, we continue to engage existing and new supporters of World Scouting, including the development of new partnerships to fund key priorities, including Humanitarian Action.
Humanitarian Action — a key priority for World Scouting
In February we shared an update on the key actions taken by Scouts in Syria and Türkiye since last year’s devastating earthquake, including essential training for mental health team members and the provision of psycho-social support for traumatised children and young people. Both National Scout Organisations remain committed to sustaining their activities long after the initial response, creating the basis for the healing and recovery process and emphasising the importance of a holistic recovery in the long-term. Ensuring that Scouts are ready to respond in times of crisis remains a key priority, and we count on your continued support! Please consider setting up a regular donation to World Scouting’s Emergency Fund today!
Bronze Wolf for HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg
Congratulations to HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, who has been awarded World Scouting’s highest honour, the Bronze Wolf, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to global Scouting. Thank you, Your Royal Highness, for your strong commitment to raising the profile of Scouting and the Foundation and for generously volunteering in service of more young people and their communities worldwide. Read the full story here.
World Scout Committee Meeting
It was a pleasure to join our WSF representative on the World Scout Committee, Geoff Morgan, and another Board Member, John Leece, at the World Scout Committee Meeting taking place in Kuala Lumpur, 22–24 March, where I gave an update to the Committee and participated fully in the meetings. Discover the overview of this last regular full meeting of the triennium.
2024 Engagements with BP Fellows and Partners
In the first quarter, we have been working to prepare key engagements to bring together our Baden-Powell Fellows and donors from around the world and celebrate the impact of their contributions. Here are some highlights to look out for in 2024:
77th Meeting of the WSF Board and Committees
The Board will hold its first meeting of the year in Stockholm, Sweden, 16–18 April.
BPF Reception, Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting
We will host a reception at the BSA National Annual Meeting on 7 May at 1700 hrs in Orlando, Florida. We look forward to welcoming BP Fellows from across the US and officially launching our new US BPF Chapter!
WSF Reception at the World Scout Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 17–23 August.
Are you planning to join the World Scout Conference in Cairo this summer? We look forward to hosting our BP Fellows from across the globe and welcoming new BP Fellows during this special event. (Reception date TBD.)
The UN Summit of the Future, New York, 22–23 September
Together with WOSM, we look forward to participating in this year’s UN Summit of the Future, where we will contribute to the development of concrete action laid out in the Pact for the Future, with a particular focus on “Youth and Future Generations”.
76th Annual Baden-Powell Fellowship Event, Rio de Janeiro, 25–28 October
We’re working with the Escoteiros do Brasil, the National Scout Organization of Brazil, to deliver a very special event, taking place in the centenary year of the NSO! Join us to discover Brazilian Scouting, learn about the impact of your support and celebrate our BP Fellows and Honours Programme Members. Registration will open in June 2024. Be ready!
Honours Programme Field Trip
We’re working on a plan to visit funded projects, potentially in Kenya (TBC) and we’re busy scoping the possibilities and hunting for dates. More info to follow soon!
We look forward to seeing you this year at one of our engagements!
For the latest information, please be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Photos & credits:
Carousel 1: HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg receives Bronze Wolf Award ©️ WSF/WOSM; WSF CEO Mark Knippenberg attends World Scout Committee Meeting with Board Members Geoff Morgan & John Leece ©️ WOSM— E.Leon;
Carousel 2: Rio de Janeiro ©️ N.Gooderson; Mercy Scouts in Uganda are building fresh water wells ©️ G. Bambaga; Scouts in Croatia extend the Boranka project into Macedonia and Montenegro ©️ Savez izviđača Hrvatske; Scout leaders from Saudi Arabia at February wood badge training ©️ Arab Scout Region.
Join us!
