The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) has ten million youth members in more than 152 countries.  WAGGGS was founded in 1928 and Australia was one of the founding members. Included in the World Association are those countries that have self-governing organisations representative of the country as a whole and who accept:

• the principles of the original Girl Guide Promise and Guide Law
• that the Movement is open to girls and women of all nations, races, creeds and classes
• that membership is voluntary and non-political.

In addition, member organisations of WAGGGS meet strict criteria on membership numbers, financial robustness, training for Adult Members and delivery of the Program.

All WAGGGS member organisations work with a common criteria and method to bring the best experience of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting for all girls. This is set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and includes:

• Membership policy
• Commitment through the Promise and Law
• Progressive self-development
• Learning by doing
• Teamwork and training for responsible leadership
• Active co-operation between young people and adults
• Service in the community
• Outdoor activities
• Symbolism

In 2009 WAGGGS commenced a consultation process to understand what Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting should look like in 2020.  The result positioned the Movement as one which is both life-changing and community-shaping for the girls and young women who participate.

WAGGGS Mission

To enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world

This vision is referred to as Compass 2032 and it is understood as a shared responsibility for all Girl Guide and Girl Scout associations.

Learn more by reading this GUIDE TO COMPASS 2032 

WAGGGS Vision

An equal world where all girls can thrive. By 2032 we will be a girl-led Movement where every and any girl feels confident to lead and empowered to create a better world together.

World Regions

There are five World Regions (Africa, Arab, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Western Hemisphere) within WAGGGS. This regional grouping enables the sharing of resources, training and Trainers as well as facilitating regional conferences and events.

The Asia Pacific Region has 26 member countries and just over 3.6 million girls involved in Girl Guiding / Girl Scouting.  The profile of the Asia Pacific Region is very diverse ranging from wealthy countries like Australia and New Zealand to countries struggling with poverty, natural disasters and political challenges.  The Asia Pacific Region is running the 3L Life Long Learning Project which channels funds to member organisations to enable girls and young women to learn essential life skills.

WAGGGS owns five World Centres which any member and her family may visit for a conference, seminar, training or holiday. These centres give girls and women the opportunity to meet in friendship, learn more about other countries and cultures and develop understanding and respect for others. They are located in Africa, India, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

To keep abreast of what is happening in World Centres and international Girl Guiding consider membership of ‘Friends of World Centres’.

All States have International Managers who are responsible for stimulating and maintaining interest in the worldwide aspect of Girl Guiding.