The General Assembly

The General Assembly is constituted by the gathering of State, Group and Individual Members and convened by the Chairperson of the Executive Council. Ordinarily, the General Assembly meets every two years at a place and date determined by the Executive Council. When required, an extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly is convened by the Executive Council or upon the specific request of one half of the State Members.

The General Assembly is responsible for governing the affairs of the organization. It determines policies and issues guidelines to the Executive Council for the general operation and management of the organization’s activities. Among the General Assembly’s powers are to: confirm of the officers of the Council; admit State, Group, Individual, Associate, and Honorary Members to the Organization; receive, consider and adopt with or without amendment a report from the Council including audited accounts; approve the appointment of the Secretary-General; approve a future work program and the budget recommended by the Council; and establish and maintain Technical or other Specialist Centers or Services that may be deemed appropriate.