David Berg appointed as 11th Secretary General of World Scouting
Today, the World Organization of the Scout Movement announced the appointment of David Berg of Belgium as its 11th Secretary General, following a global search and competitive selection process.
David is a lifelong Scout with more than 20 years of leadership experience driving strategic growth, governance reforms, and organisational transformation. He served as Chief Executive of his National Scout Association in Belgium from 2006 to 2010, and over the past decade, David has held key senior leadership roles within the World Scout Bureau. Most recently, he served as Acting Secretary General and previously as Chief Operating Officer, where he helped drive the implementation of World Scouting’s global strategy and operations alongside the previous Secretary General Ahmad Alhendawi.
“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to take on this new role to continue serving the Scout Movement that has shaped my own values and continues to equip young people in every corner of the globe with the skills to be ready for life,” said David. “For me, Scouting enables 60 million young people and volunteers involved through over 1.5 million local Scout groups to shape their world, today and tomorrow.”
“As I look to the future, I see a Movement that must keep evolving — by attracting and supporting our volunteers in new ways, strengthening the impact of our educational programmes, embedding safeguarding in everything we do, and reaching out with Scouting to communities we currently don’t serve. I look forward to working with National Scout Organization leadership, partners, volunteers, young people and staff around the world to strengthen and grow Scouting together.”
Daniël Corsen, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, shared his confidence in the appointment: “David brings a deep understanding of the Scout Movement, paired with a leadership style rooted in integrity and collaboration. His global experience, built through his work within the World Scout Bureau and his longstanding engagement with National Scout Organizations around the world, uniquely equips him to guide World Scouting into its next chapter with purpose and vision.”
The appointment follows an extensive and inclusive selection process led by a dedicated Secretary General Selection Task Force, made up of seven World Scout Committee board members from across all Scouting regions and supported by the international executive search firm GatenbySanderson. The position attracted applicants from around the world, reflecting a strong global interest in the role from a diverse and qualified pool of candidates.
Throughout the selection process, a wide range of stakeholders were consulted, including National Scout Organization leadership, senior World Scout Bureau staff, Youth Representatives, and representatives of the World Scout Foundation — ensuring a wide variety of perspectives contributed to the final decision.
David officially assumes his role as Secretary General with immediate effect.
Watch David’s welcome video and read his message to the Scout Movement on his first day as Secretary General.