Resolution angående Chairs Forum Underlag till styrelsemöte 1-2 januari 2005

The International Council

REMINDS the International Executive Committee (IEC) and the Chair’s Forum of Decision 30 of the International Council Meeting 2003, saying that “the IEC and the chairpersons of sections will work together to clarify the expanded role of the Chair’s Forum”;

URGES the IEC to take necessary measures on its part to enable the Chair’s Forum to function as envisioned in Decision 30 of ICM 2003;

URGES the Chair’s Forum to strengthen international decision-making processes by assuming the role envisioned for it in IEC Enabling Resolution 12.11 presented at the ICM 2003 and the resulting Decision 30;

URGES the Chair’s Forum to evaluate its role and development during the period 2003 to 2007, in light of Decision 30, and to report back to the ICM 2007;"

CLARIFIES that the advisory role stated in Decision 30 E. (ii) (d), “advise the IEC on implementation of the ISP”, includes advice on the IS operational plans as well as themes of global campaigns.


Explanatory note

Despite its short history, it has on several occasions been suggested that the role of the Chair’s Forum be expanded; Cf. e.g. decision 30 of ICM 2003; Circular 42 to the ICM 2001 (ORG 50/014/2001); The matter is also discussed in POL 10/03/2004.

We strongly believe that an increased representation in the decision process between ICMs would be beneficial to the movement. Several factors indicate that this is the case:

· The expansion of the mandate and the very wide frames of the ISP give very little guidance to the IS/IEC as to what priorities to make. A further expansion of the mandate to the “full spectrum” is subject to decision at the present ICM. The rapid expansion of our field of activities has increased the span of possible courses of actions. A close involvement from the movement is necessary when decisions on different course of actions are to be taken, in order to ensure a common view on priorities.

· Less frequent ICMs were suggested at the ICM 2003. It was generally acknowledged that from many points of view, it would be advantageous to increase the intervals between ICMs to three years. However, the reduced democratic influence was seen as a major obstacle. With this influence exercised through the Chair’s Forum, three years intervals between ICMs would seem more feasible.