The World Scout Parliamentary Union (WSPU) is an international organization which unites Scout-oriented parliamentarians from all over the world and brings them into closer contact with the World Scout Movement.

Its objective is to strengthen both National Scout organizations and World Scouting through the influence of parlianmentarians who believe in Scouting as an effective non-formal educational method and Movement.

WSPU came into existence in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in 1991. when about 60 parliamentarians representing 22 countries across five continents held a Cnstituent Assembly. The World Scout Committee, fully sharing the objective of WSPU granted its consultative status.

Today, WPSU is growing rapidly, as one of its aims is to encourage the formation of National Scout Parliamentary Associations.(NSPAs). Many countries have already created NAPAs which are working energetically to support Scouting initiatives and national legislatiopn to help youth. Through these NAPAs, the WSPU hopes to open doors and give the Scout Movement access to decision-makers involved in problems directly concerning young people and the communities in which they live.

Successful decision-makers, who have grown up in the Scout Movement, give Scouting credit for the education which helped them become the leaders they are, whether in business, government, education or many other fields.

these decision-makers include many parliamentarians around the world. Today, these lawmakers can help the Scout Movement, especially at national level, achieve its objectives because: they make the laws which shape the future - in particular those laws which concern youth, as well as others of concern to Scouts, such as legislation on enviromnet, health, child protection, tax legislation pertaining to non- profit organizations, etc.

they are able to directly influence the executive power, either personally or officially through their position.

they consititute an impressive network of contracts, both in their own countries and abroad.

Whenever laws concerning youth or other issues of interest to Scouting are discussed Scout parliametarians can:

Help their fellow parliamentarians understand the usefulness of Scouting in preparing young people to become responsible citizens.

Explain how Scouting can help in solving current youth problems

Obtain essential material assistance, for Scouting, if it is acceptable to Scouts, from the government and other sources in the form of subsidies, staff, sites, buildings or other resources necessary for Scout activities.

"Open doors" and give Scouts access to decision-makers who can help the Movement.

Propose the values of Scouting as being among the parameters for national, long-term youth policies.