CONSTITUTION

of the
World Organization of the Scout Movement

August 2021
CONSTITUTION
of the
World Organization of the Scout Movement

August 2021
CONSTITUTION
of the World Organization of the Scout Movement

PREAMBLE

Accredited representatives of National Scout Associations, which had adopted and

practised the Scout Movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907, assembled
in Paris, France, in July 1922 and established the International Scout Conference
for the coordination of the Scout Movement throughout the world, together with an
Executive Committee and a Secretariat.
The present Constitution governs the operation of the World Organization of the
Scout Movement in a kindred spirit of world cooperation and friendship.

CHAPTER I
THE SCOUT MOVEMENT
ARTICLE I
Definition 1. The Scout Movement is a voluntary non-political educational
movement for young people open to all without distinction of
gender, origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose,
principles and method conceived by the Founder and stated
below.
Purpose 2. The purpose of the Scout Movement is to contribute to the
development of young people in achieving their full physical,
intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as
individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their
local, national and international communities.

ARTICLE II
Principles 1. The Scout Movement is based on the following principles:

• Duty to God
Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion
that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting
therefrom.
• Duty to others
- Loyalty to one’s country in harmony with the promotion of
local, national and international peace, understanding and
cooperation.
- Participation in the development of society with recognition
and respect for the dignity of humanity and for the
integrity of the natural world.
• Duty to self
Responsibility for the development of oneself.

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Adherence 2. All members of the Scout Movement are required to adhere to
to a Promise a Scout Promise and Law reflecting, in language appropriate to
and Law the culture and civilization of each National Scout Organization
and approved by the World Organization, the principles of Duty
to God, Duty to others and Duty to self, and inspired by the
Promise and Law originally conceived by the Founder of the
Scout Movement in the following terms:

The Scout Promise

On my honour I promise that I will do my best —
To do my duty to God and the King (or to God and my Country);
To help other people at all times;
To obey the Scout Law.

The Scout Law

1. A Scout’s honour is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others.
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.
5. A Scout is courteous.
6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
7. A Scout obeys orders of his parents, Patrol Leader or
Scoutmaster without question.
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9. A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.

World Scout 3. The World Scout Emblem is a symbol of belonging to the Scout
Emblem Movement. It consists of a field of royal purple bearing the
white fleur-de-lys surrounded by a white rope in a circle and a
central reef knot at the bottom and is an essential element of
the brand identity of the Scout Movement.

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ARTICLE III
Scout 1. The Scout Method is a system of progressive self-education
Method through the interaction of all the following elements:

• The Scout Promise and Law,

• Learning by Doing,
• Personal Progression,
• Team System,
• Adult Support,
• Symbolic Framework,
• Nature,
• Community Involvement.

The Scout Method is practiced by creating a meaningful

educational experience for young people. It should be used in
a way that is consistent with the Scout Movement’s Purpose
and Principles. It is further described in a relevant policy
adopted and reviewed from time to time by the World Scout
Conference.

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CHAPTER II
TITLE, PURPOSE AND ORGANS
OF THE WORLD ORGANIZATION

ARTICLE IV
Title of World 1. The organization of the Scout Movement at world level is
Organization governed by this Constitution under the title of “The World
Organization of the Scout Movement”, hereinafter called the
World Organization, as an independent, non-political, non-
governmental organization.

Purpose 2. The purpose of the World Organization is to foster the Scout

of World Movement throughout the world by:
Organization
(a) promoting unity and understanding of its purpose and
principles,
(b) facilitating its expansion and development,
(c) maintaining its specific character.

Organs 3. The organs of the World Organization are:

of World
Organization (a) The World Scout Conference.
(b) The World Scout Committee.
(c) The World Scout Bureau.

Legal Status 4. Legal identity for the organs of the World Organization is given
by the registration in the country of domicile of the World Scout
Bureau of ‘The World Scout Bureau Association’, also known as
World Scout Bureau Inc. Legal title to all property of the World
Organization, including its trademarks, is held by World Scout
Bureau Inc.

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CHAPTER III
MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE V
Requirements 1. Membership of the World Organization is open to all National
Scout Organizations which fulfil the requirements for
membership.
2. Authority to confer membership of the World Organization
is vested in the World Scout Conference, on the
recommendation of the World Scout Committee.
3. A National Scout Organization in a sovereign state may apply
for membership as a Member Organization. There can be
only one member National Scout Organization from any one
sovereign state.
4. National Scout Organizations in membership of the World
Organization are collectively referred to as Member
Organizations.
5. Admission to membership in the World Organization requires
of the applicant National Scout Organization:
(a) Adoption of and evidence of sustained adherence to the
purpose, principles and method as laid down by Chapter
I of this Constitution.
(b) Establishment of the National Scout Organization as
an independent, non-political, voluntary movement of
probity and effectiveness.
(c) Enrolment to be open to all who agree to conform to the
purpose, principles and method of the Movement.
(d) Establishment of its legal entity and evidence of its
widespread operation in the territory it represents.
(e) Demonstration that, by the quality of its leadership, its
policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment
for children, young people and adults in Scouting,
the organization of its leader training, the size of its
membership and its resources, it is self-sufficient and
capable of providing adequate services to its members
and assuming all obligations of a Member Organization.

6. A Member Organization may consist of more than one Scout

Association operating in the same sovereign state and
participating in a Federation based on the common Scout
purpose. It is the responsibility of each Federation to ensure
that all its constituent Associations meet the requirements of
this Constitution.

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Accredited 7. A National Scout Organization in a sovereign state which
National Scout cannot meet the requirements of Article V.5 in their entirety
Organizations may, upon application and at the discretion of the World
Scout Committee, be designated as an Accredited National
Scout Organization and be so reported to the World Scout
Conference.
8. Accredited National Scout Organizations shall have the same
rights and obligations as Member Organizations except the
right to vote.
9. An Accredited National Scout Organization may become
recognized as a Member Organization if it fulfils the
requirements in Article V.5 and makes an application for
membership.
10.A National Scout Organization which is eligible for
membership of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
in accordance with Article V.5 cannot have the status of an
Accredited National Scout Organization.

Unity of the 11.In exercising its powers under Article V the World Scout
Movement Conference shall have an overriding concern for the unity of
the World Scout Movement.

ARTICLE VI
Procedure 1. The World Scout Committee shall investigate an application
for membership by a National Scout Organization applying
established objective criteria to be published from time to
time. If it considers that the requirements laid down by Article
V.5 are fulfilled, it shall make the necessary recommendations
to the World Scout Conference by post or electronic
communication.
2. If within three months the recommendation is unopposed
or opposed by less than five per cent of the Member
Organizations, the World Scout Committee shall declare
the National Scout Organization a Member of the World
Organization. If five per cent or more of the Member
Organizations oppose admission, the application shall be
referred to the next meeting of the World Scout Conference,
where admission shall require a two-thirds majority of the
votes cast.

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ARTICLE VII
Rights and 1. Member Organizations enjoy the rights and privileges and are
Obligations required to fulfil the obligations given in this Constitution.
of Member
2. Member Organizations shall have the following rights:
Organizations
(a) To be represented and have the right of voice at a World
Scout Conference and a Regional Scout Conference,
subject to payment of the Conference fees.
(b) To have the right of vote at a World Scout Conference
and Regional Scout Conference.
(c) To receive services from the World Scout Bureau,
as practicable, in the form of visits, opportunity of
participation in courses and seminars and other types of
assistance.
(d) To receive all the publications of the World Scout Bureau.
(e) To attend world or regional Jamborees, camps and other
gatherings.
(f) To receive invitations to national Jamborees, camps and
other gatherings.

3. Member Organizations shall have the following obligations:

(a) Continued acceptance of and conformity with the
requirements of the Constitution of the World
Organization.
(b) Payment of an annual registration fee as reviewed and
determined by the World Scout Conference.
(c) To make an annual report to the World Scout Bureau
including an evaluation of progress against the
requirements of its national Scout constitution in a form
which the World Scout Committee may determine.
(d) Approval by the World Scout Committee prior to
implementation of any changes to its national Scout
constitution relating to matters covered by Chapters I
and III of this Constitution.

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ARTICLE VIII
Suspension 1. The World Scout Committee may provisionally suspend
and Expulsion the membership of any Member Organization which, in its
opinion, no longer fulfils the requirements for membership.
If the World Scout Committee maintains its suspension,
the World Scout Conference at its next meeting shall hear
the report of the World Scout Committee and invite the
suspended Organization to make its written or oral comments.
The World Scout Conference has the broadest power to then
decide on an appropriate course of action; if its decision is to
expel the Organization, such decision shall require a two-
thirds majority of the votes cast.

Withdrawal 2. Any Member Organization may withdraw from the World

Organization by written notice addressed to the Secretary
General. Withdrawal shall take effect on September 30 of
the second year following that during which the notice was
given, subject to the Member Organization having at that date
fulfilled all obligations arising out of its membership, including
financial obligations.

Effect of 3. A National Scout Organization which, for any reason, ceases

Termination of to be a Member shall no longer be entitled to the privileges
Membership and services of the World Organization, to recognition by its
Members, and to the use of the emblems and other material
associated with World Scouting.

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CHAPTER IV
THE WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE

ARTICLE IX
Composition 1. The World Scout Conference is the governing organ of the
World Organization and is composed of all the Member
Organizations.
2. Member Organizations are represented at any meeting of
the World Scout Conference by delegates not exceeding six.
Accredited National Scout Organizations are represented at
any meeting of the World Scout Conference by delegates not
exceeding two.

ARTICLE X
Functions 1. The functions of the World Scout Conference are:
(a) To consider the policy and standards of the Scout
Movement throughout the world and to take such action as
shall further the purpose of the World Organization.
(b) To formulate the general policy of the World Organization.
(c) To consider applications for membership and decide as to
the expulsion of Members.
(d) To hold elections as provided in this Constitution.
(e) To consider reports and recommendations presented by
the World Scout Committee.
(f) To consider recommendations brought forward by Member
Organizations.
(g) To consider proposed amendments to this Constitution.
(h) To exercise other functions resulting from this Constitution.

ARTICLE XI
Voting 1. Each Member Organization shall have six votes and, except as
provided for under paragraph 2 of this Article, resolutions shall
be taken by a simple majority of the Member Organizations
present or represented and voting. In the event of a tie, the
motion is defeated.
2. Decisions concerning the admission of new Member
Organizations (Article VI, paragraph 2), the expulsion of
Member Organizations (Article VIII, paragraph 1), the
determination of the annual registration fee (Article XXIII,
paragraph 1) and the amendment of this Constitution (Article
XXV) shall be passed by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.

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3. A Member Organization which is unable to be present at a
meeting of the World Scout Conference may vote by proxy
given to another Member Organization, but no Member
Organization may accept more than one proxy.
4. In appropriate circumstances determined by the World Scout
Committee there may be a referendum by post or electronic
communication to Member Organizations between meetings of
the World Scout Conference when the same rules as to voting,
majority and in the event of a tie shall apply.
5. Any Member Organization which shall have failed to pay its
annual registration fee up to and including the end of the
fiscal year preceding the Conference shall forfeit its right to
vote at that meeting of the Conference, unless remission or
postponement of dues has received prior authorization from
the World Scout Committee.

ARTICLE XII
Meetings 1. There shall be a triennial meeting of the World Scout
Conference at such time and place as the Conference may
decide.
2. An extraordinary meeting may be called on the decision of the
World Scout Committee, or at the request of not less than one
third of the Member Organizations.
3. Six months notice shall be given for a triennial meeting and
one month for an extraordinary meeting.
4. The presence of one half of the Member Organizations shall
constitute a quorum.
5. The World Scout Conference shall record and adopt its own
rules of procedure.

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CHAPTER V
THE WORLD SCOUT COMMITTEE

ARTICLE XIII
Composition 1. The World Scout Committee is the executive organ of the
World Organization. Its members shall consider the interests
of the Movement as a whole and shall neither consider
themselves, nor be considered, as representing any particular
Member Organization or Region.
2. The World Scout Committee shall be composed of:
(a) Voting members:
Twelve elected members, who shall be members of
Member Organizations. They shall be elected by the
World Scout Conference, by secret ballot, from a list of
nominees submitted by Member Organizations. In no
case shall more than one elected member from any one
Member Organization serve on the Committee in any one
period.
(b) Ex-officio non-voting members:
(i) The Secretary General of the World Organization,
who shall also be an ex-officio member of all
subsidiary committees of the World Scout
Committee.
(ii) A Treasurer, appointed by the World Scout
Committee.
(iii) The Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of each duly
elected Regional Scout Committee.
(iv) A member of the Board of the World Scout
Foundation.

Term of 3. Each member elected by the World Scout Conference is

Service of elected until the next World Scout Conference and can be re-
Elected elected once. After two continuous terms, a retiring member
Members shall only be eligible for re-election after a lapse of three
years.
Vacancies 4. Vacancies occurring amongst the elected members of the
World Scout Committee shall be filled for the remainder of the
term still to be served by the resigning or deceased holder of
the seat by the runners-up in order of election, at the election
in which the resigning or deceased member was elected.
Such runners-up shall only be considered as having served a
normal term of service as an elected member, if they filled the
vacancy before half of the term of the resigning or deceased
member has expired.

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Notice of 5. Thirty days notice shall be given of meetings of the World Scout
Meetings Committee.
Conduct 6. The Secretary General shall serve as Secretary of the World Scout
of Affairs Committee. Between meetings of the Committee, matters shall be
submitted by the Secretary General to members for consideration
by correspondence.
Voting by 7. Members of the World Scout Committee may vote by proxy
Proxy given to another member of the Committee with voting rights,
but no member may accept more than one proxy.

ARTICLE XIV
Functions 1. The functions of the World Scout Committee are:
(a) To act on behalf of the World Scout Conference between its
meetings; to give effect to its decisions, recommendations
and policies; and to represent it at international and
national events.
(b) To promote the Scout Movement throughout the world
by means of visits, correspondence, training courses and
other appropriate action.
(c) To advise and assist Member Organizations in carrying out
the purpose, principles and method of Scouting.
(d) To recommend the admission of National Scout
Organizations applying for membership, and to suspend
provisionally the membership of a Member Organization.
(e) To designate Accredited National Scout Organizations.
(f) To prepare the agenda and procedure of the meetings
of the World Scout Conference, giving consideration to
suggestions from Member Organizations, and appoint the
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson(s) of the World Scout
Conference.
(g) To appoint the Secretary General of the World
Organization, and to appoint his Deputy or Deputies
upon a recommendation of the Secretary General; and to
supervise the management of the World Scout Bureau.
(h) To approve the annual budget and financial statements of
the World Scout Bureau.
(i) To accept the responsibility for the raising of additional
funds.
(j) To approve the constitutions or other laws governing
Regions.
(k) To appoint the Treasurer.

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(l) To appoint Chairpersons of sub-committees and working
groups on the recommendation of the Chairperson of the
World Scout Committee.
(m) To grant consultative status to such organizations as may
be of assistance to the Scout Movement.
(n) To decide upon granting of awards for services to the
World Scout Movement.
(o) To coordinate links with all organs of the World
Organization.
(p) To secure compliance with the Constitution of the World
Organization by all organs.
(q) To ensure that risks facing the World Organization of
whatever nature are assessed and appropriate control
measures put in place.
(r) To call for an extraordinary meeting of the World Scout
Conference in accordance with Article XII where required.
(s) To consider plans and strategies for the World Organization
and make appropriate proposals to the World Scout
Conference.
(t) To approve the purchase/lease of real estate for use or
occupation by the World Organization and ensure that the
title is registered in the name of the World Organization
according to legal requirements.
(u) To follow-up on the execution and evaluation of the
programmes/activities of the World Scout Bureau.
(v) To receive yearly consolidated audited reports from the
World Scout Bureau.
(w) To liaise and promote good relationships with the World
Scout Foundation and receive its annual plans and
strategies.
(x) To approve the creation and supervise the management
of all legal bodies created on behalf of the World
Organization.
(y) To supervise the organization of World Scout Events.
(z) To exercise other functions resulting from this Constitution.

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ARTICLE XV
Voting 1. Each voting member of the World Scout Committee shall have
one vote.
2. Resolutions shall be taken by a simple majority of the voting
members present and voting. In the event of a tie, the motion
is defeated.

ARTICLE XVI
Meetings and 1. The World Scout Committee shall meet at least once a
Committees year at such time and place as the Committee may decide.
Such meetings may be held using electronic communication
technology. Virtual attendance of individuals is permitted.
2. The presence of eight voting members shall constitute a
quorum.
3. The World Scout Committee shall elect its Chairperson and
Vice-Chairpersons as provided for in this Constitution.
4. In case of emergency, and in the absence of the Chairperson’s
invitation, three members of the World Scout Committee may
call an extraordinary meeting providing an explanation for
calling the meeting and an agenda.
5. The World Scout Committee shall adopt its own Standing
Orders which shall be available to Member Organizations.
6. The World Scout Committee may establish, on a permanent or
ad hoc basis, such subsidiary committees or other organs as it
deems necessary for the performance of its functions.

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CHAPTER VI
THE WORLD SCOUT BUREAU

ARTICLE XVII
Composition 1. The World Scout Bureau shall serve as the Secretariat of the
World Organization. It shall comprise the Secretary General
of the World Organization and such staff as the Organization
may require. The Secretary General shall be appointed by the
World Scout Committee and shall be the chief administrative
officer of the World Organization.
2. The World Scout Bureau shall consist of its international
headquarters and such Regional Offices as are established
under Article XX of this Constitution.

ARTICLE XVIII
Functions 1. The functions of the Secretary General are:
of Secretary
General (a) To direct the work of the World Scout Bureau.
(b) To appoint, supervise and remove the staff of the World
Scout Bureau, as provided for within the framework of
the budget approved by the World Scout Committee.
Insofar as is possible, such staff shall be recruited on an
international basis.
(c) To make contacts as necessary, by correspondence and
visits in order to promote and to safeguard the interests
of the Movement.
(d) To exercise other functions resulting from this
Constitution and such other functions as the World Scout
Committee may delegate.

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ARTICLE XIX
Functions of 1. The functions of the World Scout Bureau are:
World Scout
(a) To assist the World Scout Conference, the World Scout
Bureau
Committee and its subsidiary organs in the fulfilment
of their functions; to make preparations for all their
meetings; and to provide the necessary services for the
implementation of decisions.
(b) To provide the services necessary for the promotion
of the Scout Movement throughout the world, such as
research and documentation, training, programme, public
relations and publications.
(c) To maintain relations with Member Organizations and to
assist them in the development of Scouting.
(d) To promote the development of Scouting in countries
where it does not exist, and to assist non-member
National Organizations to attain the standards necessary
for membership in the World Organization.
(e) To enquire into applications for membership, requests for
aid and other similar matters.
(f) To support the organization of world and regional Scout
events.
(g) To maintain relations with international organizations
whose activities are concerned, inter alia, with youth.

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CHAPTER VII
REGIONS

ARTICLE XX
Composition 1. Regions may be established in conformity with the requirements
of this Constitution, comprising Member Organizations so
desiring within a geographical area to be defined from time to
time by the World Scout Committee.
2. Each Region shall be composed of the following organs:
(a) A Regional Scout Conference, comprising all Member
Organizations of the Region.
(b) A Regional Scout Committee, duly elected by the Regional
Scout Conference.
(c) A Regional Scout Office, directed by a Regional Director.
The Regional Scout Office is also a branch of the World
Scout Bureau, in conformity with Article XVII, paragraph
2, of this Constitution. The Regional Director is appointed
by the Secretary General in agreement with the Regional
Scout Committee, is paid by the World Scout Bureau
and reports to the Secretary General to whom he is
responsible, and to the Regional Scout Committee.

ARTICLE XXI
Functions 1. The functions of the Regional Scout Conferences are:
(a) To further the Scout Movement within the Region, by
promoting the spirit of world kinship, cooperation and
mutual assistance amongst Scout Organizations within the
Region.
(b) To exercise such functions as are provided for in the
constitutions or other laws governing the Region.
(c) To ensure the proper implementation of the decisions and
policies laid down by the World Organization which affect
the Region.

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2. The functions of the Regional Scout Committees are:
(a) To exercise such functions as are provided for in the
constitutions or other laws governing the Region.
(b) To act as an advisory body and report to the World Scout
Committee.
(c) To foster and monitor progress in implementing the
decisions and policies of the World Organization within
the Region.
(d) To act as an advisory body for Member Organizations
requiring advice and assistance.
3. The functions of the Regional Scout Offices are:
(a) To serve as a Secretariat of the Region.
(b) To serve as a Secretariat of the World Organization in
matters relating to the Region.

ARTICLE XXII
Relationships 1. The constitutions or other laws governing Regions, and any
between amendments thereto, must be approved by the World Scout
Regions Committee before entering into force.
and World
2. In the event of a conflict between the obligations resulting
Organization
from the Constitution of the World Organization and the
obligations resulting from a Regional constitution or other
laws governing a Region, the obligations resulting from the
World Organization Constitution shall prevail.

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CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

ARTICLE XXIII
Finances 1. Each Member Organization shall pay an annual registration
fee at a rate and according to a formula to be determined
from time to time by the World Scout Conference, by a two-
thirds majority of the votes cast.
2. All funds shall be deposited to the credit of the World Scout
Bureau and shall be disbursed by the Treasurer in accordance
with a budget approved and certified by the World Scout
Committee.
3. An audited financial statement shall be submitted annually by
the Treasurer to the World Scout Committee and shall be sent
to all Member Organizations.
4. The World Scout Committee shall appoint auditors to the
World Scout Bureau.

ARTICLE XXIV
Languages 1. The official languages of the World Organization are English
and French.
In the event of a conflict arising out of the interpretation of
this Constitution or any other official document of the World
Organization, the English text shall prevail.

ARTICLE XXV
Amendments 1. This Constitution may be amended by the World Scout
to the Conference at any of its meetings by a two-thirds majority
Constitution of the votes cast. Texts of proposed amendments shall be
communicated by the World Scout Bureau to all Member
Organizations at least four months in advance of the time of
the meeting.

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ARTICLE XXVI
Dissolution of 1. The World Organization of the Scout Movement may only be
WOSM dissolved with the consent of no less than two-thirds of all its
Member Organizations. Such consent shall be expressed at a
meeting of the World Scout Conference.
2. A resolution for dissolution may be put forward by the World
Scout Committee or by a resolution signed by not less than
one-half of the Member Organizations in order to be voted at
the World Scout Conference. Notice of such a draft resolution
shall be communicated by the World Scout Bureau to all
Member Organizations at least four months in advance of the
time of the meeting. If the resolution is carried, incumbent
Members of the World Scout Committee shall remain in office
as long as is necessary to effect the dissolution in accordance
with the requirements of its legal identity (see Article IV.4).

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NOTES:

25
NOTES:

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© World Scout Bureau Inc.
August 2021

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