WOSM and the UN Family HISTORY OF WOSM RELATIONS WITH THE UN SYSTEM Scouting, and its founder Lord Baden Powell, had relations with the League of Nations, in fact, a report of one of the committees spoke of Scouting. When the UN was founded, consultative status was created and it was granted to WOSM in 1947. Scouting is a powerful and important partner for the UN system. Few other youth organisations reach and involve so many millions of young people as active members, in almost all the countries and territories of the world. Few work on such a variety of topics relevant to so many organs of the UN. Few reach young people everywhere within a country, in cities, in villages and neighbourhoods. Few have such a permanent, solid and long-standing presence. Few are based on a bottom-up representation that allows them to really speak on behalf of youth. To have all these characteristics is truly unique! Scouting is a key partner to anyone who wishes to make a difference to the lives of young people worldwide, and therefore especially to the United Nations. Hence, the volume of WOSM-UN relations is impressive. Scouting has something to contribute to the work of all of the agencies, programmes and offices of the UN that deal with youth in one way or another. We believe that new partnerships, common projects and recognition from the highest levels will help Scouting fulfil its mission; and will help the UN improve the lives of young people throughout the world.
FORMAL STATUS OF WOSM IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE UN AND ITS SPECIALISED AGENCIES What ECOSOC does? The Economic and Social Council coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialised agencies, 10 functional commissions and five regional commissions; receives reports from 11 UN funds and programmes; and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States. Under the UN Charter (the “constitution” of the UN), ECOSOC is responsible for: • • • •
promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
ECOSOC's authority extends to over 70 per cent of the human and financial resources of the entire UN system. In carrying out its mandate, ECOSOC consults with academics, business sector representatives and more than 2,100 registered non-governmental organisations. The Council holds a four-week substantive session each July, alternating between New York and Geneva. The session includes a high-level segment, at which national cabinet ministers and chiefs of international agencies and other high officials focus their attention on a selected theme of global significance.
13 Scouting and the United Nations - © World Scout Bureau – April 2005