Focal point meetings

The plenary lasts about two days (indicative). It brings together one representative per State, sometimes accompanied by an expert. It is opened by the Secretary General, Dr. Philippe Aubert de Vincelles, and chaired in turn by a focal point.

Discussions cover the year's activity, cooperation priorities and the proposals to be submitted to the General Assembly.

Each regional office organises an annual meeting for the States of its area: Paris for Europe, New York for the Americas, Singapore for Asia-Pacific, Nairobi for Africa and Geneva for the Middle East.

Shorter in duration, these meetings make it possible to address topics specific to each region: trafficking routes, training, languages, the calendar of agreements.

The agenda is drawn up by the Member States Relations Directorate, after consultation with the focal points. Each State may propose an item, at the latest six weeks before the meeting (indicative).

Working documents are published in the member area at least fifteen days before the opening.

The working languages are French, English and Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation in plenary session. Participants may follow certain sessions remotely when their duties do not allow them to travel.

On reasoned request, the Directorate covers the travel costs of one participant for States whose contribution falls in the first bracket.

Minutes are circulated within the month following each meeting. They list the decisions, commitments and deadlines, and name the person responsible for each action.

A follow-up report is presented at the next meeting, which makes it possible to measure progress on the commitments made.