The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the Association of the Scouts of Azerbaijan (ASA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the hosting of the 41st World Scout Conference and the 13th World Scout Youth Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2017. Signing on behalf of WOSM was its Secretary General, Scott A. Teare, while ASA was represented by its President, Ilyas Ismayilli. The signing ceremony, witnessed by the Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, João Armando, was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 1 October 2015, ahead of the three-day World Scout Committee meeting. The World Scout Conference is the governing body, the "general assembly" of Scouting, and is composed of all the members of the World Organization: the National Scout Organizations (NSOs). The function of the Conference is to consider the policy and standards of the Scout Movement throughout the world, formulate the general policy of the World Organization, and take the action required to further the purpose of the Movement. The Conference takes place every three years. The World Scout Youth Forum takes place in conjunction with the World Scout Conference. The event provides an opportunity for youth members of World Scouting to discuss different issues. It is also considered as an interim measure to improve youth involvement in decision making at world level.