Global Dialogue on Mining/Metals and Sustainable Development Information Circular - April 2004
We appreciate your continued interest in the Global Dialogue and the suggestions that many of you have offered in the course of the previous consultation on the Terms of Reference.
As indicated in the March 19 message, we are now following with a consultation on the draft Rules of Procedure (ROP).
As you will see from the attachment, we are proposing changes that are highlighted in yellow.
Upon reviewing the text that came out of the first preparatory meeting, we noted a number of instances where the text could be improved and clarified. We therefore make suggestions for improvements in the language or consolidation of some elements without changing he overall intent.
There is one area that we would like to revisit: the concept of an Executive Committee. Our experience to date as facilitator has shown that such a committee would be useful. Consultation is an unpredictable exercise with a group as diverse and large as the Global Dialogue. The rate of responses to consultations to date has varied enormously from one consultation to the other. The issue becomes the ability of the Secretariat to show that a decision to be taken effectively rests on support from a majority of members.
While consultations will always be an important process for the Forum, we feel there is a need for a more agile, transparent and accountable process for making decisions on administrative matters.
This is why we propose to re-introduce the concept of an Executive Committee. This Committee could provide a balanced representation of different segments of the participating countries. It will also be simpler for the Secretariat to contact three persons and insist on a response. Such a committee would promote timely and accountable decisions.
Finally, we have left two brackets in the text, in paragraphs 15 and 16. Canada is proposing to act as Secretariat. Your views on this are welcome.
We expect to have French, Spanish and Russian copies of the attached ROP document sometime next week. They will be posted on the Web site and emailed to the countries concerned.
We would appreciate your views on the proposed improvements by April 22, 2004.
The outcome of this consultation is not final. The ROP will be on the agenda of the June meeting. If you disagree with a proposed change or identify a problem with the present text, we would appreciate comments accompanied by proposals for improvements.
The next planned message, later this month, will include information on the work programme, the draft agenda for the June meeting and information on travel arrangements to Geneva.