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 contemorary 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.
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