2005-IGM-SPG 10.pdf - Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change ...

Framework of the APN
IGM/10/16
SPG/10/16
The “Framework of the APN” (hereinafter referred to as “Framework”) functions as
the governing document for the APN. It is the culmination of extensive discussions
that began during planning workshops, in the early 1990s, and continued until its
adoption, at the 7 th IGM in Manila, Philippines, in 2002. Minor revisions were made
at the 9 th IGM in Canberra, Australia, 2004 to reflect the shift of the Secretariat from
AIRIES to IGES. Its legitimacy arises from its adoption by the 7 th IGM, the APN’s
inter-governmental decision-making body.
The Second Strategic Plan (hereinafter referred to as 2SP) recommends that the
APN will empower a committee to propose changes to the Framework for approval at
the 11 th IGM. The 2SP suggests amendments to clauses concerning the Mission,
Goals and Activities, Organs, IGM, SPG, Steering Committee and Secretariat
(specific details are outlined below). However, it should be noted that the evaluation
report also states, based on the current Framework, that APN’s present position, as
a non-legal entity, is perhaps the most realistic, flexible and practical way to proceed
over the next few years. Although in the future, it may be deemed advantageous to
seek formal status as an international organisation.
Suggested timeline:
April 14, 2005:
• The 10 th IGM empowers a committee to propose changes to the Framework. This
committee will function under the umbrella of the Steering Committee.
May-June 2005:
• The Steering Committee will set up an Ad-hoc Committee to draft changes to the
Framework document. The newly formed committee will consist of five to six
members who will be selected based on their experience and the regional
balance of membership. Furthermore, one member will be selected from the
resources development committee to ensure coordination between the two
committees. In order to be both economical and environmentally friendly,
meetings will be held electronically.
June-August 2005:
• The Ad-hoc Committee will prepare a questionnaire to collect comments and
suggestions from member countries and then summarise points for discussion.
September-October 2005:
• The Ad-hoc Committee will interact and draft a set of revisions.
November-December 2005:
• The Ad-hoc Committee will submit the draft revisions to the Steering Committee.
January 2006:
• Draft revisions will be circulated to member countries for their comments.
March 2006:
• Final draft will be submitted to the 11 th IGM for approval.
Responsible officers at the Secretariat: Programme Manager (Communications and
Development) and the Secretariat Director.
The 2SP includes suggestions for possible revisions to the Framework of the APN. It
should be noted, however, that suggestions are not be limited to the outlined points
only. The following points are to be considered:
• The APN empowers a committee to propose changes to the Framework
Document for approval at the 11th IGM/SPG.
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