CEO Update: Q3, 2026

Operational highlights for Q3 

Your quarterly inside track on the work of the World Scout Foundation

In this quarterly update, we are pleased to share the latest developments from the World Scout Foundation and our global Scout family. From the opening of registration for our next Baden-Powell Fellowship Event to a new home for our team, new opportunities to connect with fellow supporters, and the remarkable results your generosity has made possible, this edition highlights how your support continues to strengthen Scouting around the world.

Standing with communities in Colombia and Nepal 

Two emergency appeals were swiftly launched on the Scout Donation Platform in close collaboration with the National Scout Associations and World Scouting. Thanks to your rapid and generous response, both appeals met their targets within a week, enabling Scouts to boost their tireless emergency response and support recovery in the affected communities. 

Thank you to everyone who gave so quickly and shared the appeals so widely. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

The 79th BP Fellowship Event: Monaco, 21–25 April 2027 

Lights, camera, Monaco! Next April, our 79th BP Fellowship Event comes to the Mediterranean for a truly unique experience, and a historic one too: the first BP Fellowship Event for our new Honorary Chair, HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. Picture sea views, sunlit terraces and Riviera chic, then add the people and purpose that make every BP Fellowship Event so special. Together, we will connect with fellow supporters, recognise and celebrate our BP Fellows, hear the stories behind the remarkable results your generosity has made possible, and discover Monégasque Scouting.  

Registration opens in two phases: priority access for Diplomat, Ambassador and Regal Circle Members (a benefit of these circles) and WSF Board and Committee Members from 22 October, and open to all Honours Programme Members, Baden-Powell Fellows and Young Baden-Powell Fellows from 29 October.  

Join us on 29 October ahead of registration for an online webinar, where we’ll share programme highlights and walk through key registration information together. We’ll also record the session for anyone who can’t connect live. Detailed registration information will follow shortly, including with information on how to connect to the webinar. Keep an eye on your inbox — the Riviera is calling! 

Volunteer Spotlight: Thomas Frostberg & Stefan Mahlstein 

This quarter, we are proud to shine a light on two volunteers whose dedication to the World Scout Foundation and to World Scouting has been truly outstanding. Thomas Frostberg, Chair of the WSF Sweden Chapter and Member of the WSF Fundraising and Marketing Committee, and Stefan Mahlstein, Vice-Chair of the WSF Sweden Chapter, Member of the WSF Board and also of the WSF Fundraising and Marketing Committee, have this past year led exceptional fundraising efforts in connection with His Majesty the King of Sweden's 80th Birthday celebrations — mobilising support well beyond the Scout community in Sweden around a cause of great significance. Their leadership has delivered remarkable results for World Scouting and Scouting in Sweden, with their volunteer efforts contributing to the USD 9.6 million raised in the name of His Majesty’s name for the benefit of peace and inclusion. 

Together, they have built an active and engaged Chapter, and their own leadership and personal relationships with the network of BP Fellows in Sweden exemplify volunteering. Their work extends well beyond Sweden: through their respective roles on the WSF Board and its Fundraising and Marketing Committee, both Thomas and Stefan bring energy, insight and dedication to the Foundation's wider mission. We are deeply grateful for everything they do to support young people worldwide through their ongoing dedication and engagement. 

Messengers of Peace 

Our landmark partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, World Scouting and the Saudi Arabia Scouts Association continues to thrive. In August, we welcomed funding for the second year of Messengers of Peace, the global Scouting initiative that inspires young people to become peacebuilders in their communities, as we head into the second year of implementation.  

On the International Day of Peace in September, together with World Scouting, we highlighted the millions of Scouts turning the values of peace into action in their communities and across borders through Messengers of Peace. Looking ahead, we are working alongside World Scouting colleagues to prepare annual reporting for the first year of impactful projects and initiatives. Follow our news and social media for regular updates!  

Scouting on the world stage 

In September, together with the World Scouting delegation, we participated in a wide range of engagements alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. It was an unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of partners and stakeholders from the UN, governments, private sector and civil society to strengthen our existing and potential new partnerships and funding opportunities for the benefit of young people worldwide. Throughout the week, we highlighted Scouting’s contribution to education, to the skills young people need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world, to Scouting’s contribution to peacebuilding and to the world beyond 2030. 

We are deeply grateful to our Life Board Member, Margot Bogert, for generously hosting a reception in the presence of our new Honorary Chair, welcoming local Baden-Powell Fellows, Board Members and friends and partners of Scouting in a wonderful spirit of fellowship. 

A major highlight was our Honorary Chair, HRH Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg’s, first address to the United Nations General Assembly as Head of State, in which he highlighted his lifelong commitment to the Scout Movement and the need to trust youth and invest in their development for a brighter future. Special thanks to His Royal Highness for giving Scouting this visibility on the world stage. We encourage you to watch an excerpt here. 

Connecting with our BP Fellows around the world 

In July, we increased the Foundation's visibility at three national Scout Jamborees in Denmark, the USA and Sweden, where our local WSF Chapters hosted Baden-Powell Fellowship Receptions. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to recognise and thank our Baden-Powell Fellows and to welcome new friends into our network. Across the three receptions, we welcomed six new Baden-Powell Fellows, 15 Young Baden-Powell Fellows and three new members of the Honours Programme.  

In September, we joined our UK Chapter at the 100th Gilwell Reunion, connecting with more than 3,000 Scouts and supporters, sharing the impact of your support, and welcoming two new Baden-Powell Fellows and a Young Baden-Powell Fellow to our community. 

In the United States, we are preparing to attend receptions in San Antonio and Atlanta this October, generously hosted by Baden-Powell Fellows who will welcome fellow supporters and new friends of the Foundation. 

Leaving a legacy 

In September, we marked Legacy Giving Day, celebrating the Baden-Powell Fellows and friends who have chosen to carry their commitment to Scouting forward for generations to come through our Founder's Heritage programme. Our Director of Philanthropy, Mischa Rychener, shared why these conversations mean so much: 

“Each person has a unique reason for choosing to leave a legacy for future generations of Scouts. Hearing your stories is one of the most rewarding parts of my work because, like you, I believe young people can shape the future positively through Scouting. It is a privilege to hear what inspires such generosity, and I would love to explore with you how a meaningful legacy gift could reflect your values while shaping a brighter future for young people worldwide.” 

If you would like to learn more about how a legacy gift can shape the future of Scouting, Mischa would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Mischa at [email protected].

A new home in Thun 

In September, the World Scout Foundation team moved to new offices in Thun, Switzerland. Thanks to careful planning, the move took place smoothly from 14 to 16 September. 

Our new address is Panoramastrasse 1a, 3600 Thun, Switzerland.  

Looking ahead: Once a Scout, Always a Scout 

Later this year, we will launch our Annual Appeal, “Once a Scout, Always a Scout”. Featuring stories from Scout regions around the world, the appeal will celebrate the enduring value of the leadership skills Scouting builds. As part of the appeal, some of you may also hear from our team by telephone — we look forward to speaking with you.  

Thank you 

Everything shared in this update is made possible by you. On behalf of the whole team, thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to Scouting. We look forward to seeing you soon, including in Monaco next April.