World Conference (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts)
The World Conference is the governing body of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and meets every three years. If a country has more than one association, the associations form a federation for coordination and world representation. As the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement spread, independent national Guiding associations were set up; however, a need for international cooperation was felt. Lady Baden-Powell founded an informal International Council in London in February 1918. In 1920, two leaders from each known Guide country were invited to the British County Commissioners Conference held at Saint Hugh's College, Oxford. This became known as the First International Conference. The 13th World Conference was held in the same college in 1950. The member organizations continue to meet every three years at World Conferences. At the fourth World Conference held at Camp Edith Macy in 1926, representatives from several countries suggested the formation of a World Association to take the place of the informal International Council. After the 1926 International Conference the Baden-Powells were approached about setting up a formal association and in 1928 the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts was founded at the 5th International Conference held in Parád, Hungary. Rose Kerr was Vice Chairman, later Commissioner for Tenderfoot Countries.
The 33rd World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts was held from 6 to 12 July 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was hosted by the Girl Guides Association of South Africa. It was held in the Birchwood Executive Hotel and Conference Centre. Graça Machel was the keynote speaker and received the World Citizenship Award. Over 450 delegates attended representing 144 countries. The 33rd World Conference logo combined the WAGGGS logo and the South African Guides chosen pattern. The Girl Guides Association of South Africa wanted to portray their African dream and the sense of unity of all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Ten lines within the logo symbolise the ten Laws shared by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The three triangles symbolise the threefold Promise. The M shape symbolises the global challenges facing Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting that can be overcome through unity. The conference's theme was "Join in, reach out, change lives". Graça Machel was the keynote speaker. In her address, Machel spoke about her childhood and three women who had a significant impact on her life. She also expressed her views on the contemporary state of women's rights. Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, also addressed the meeting. Graça Machel was presented with the World Citizenship Award. Elspeth Henderson, the outgoing chairman of the World Board, received the WAGGGS Silver Medal, WAGGGS' highest award.
The Hong Kong Girl Guides Association won their bid to host the 35th World Conference. Their successful bid was announced on the final day of the 34th World Conference. The 35th World Conference took place in Hong Kong in 2014.
