Network meetings

The plenary lasts two days. The first day is devoted to the review of the year: network activity, legal developments, notable cases. The second is dedicated to workshops and to defining the following year's work programme.

The Member States Relations Directorate provides the secretariat of the meeting and drafts minutes validated by the participants.

Each thematic group meets remotely between four and six times a year, for an hour and a half. Meetings are held in two time slots to take account of time zones, with interpretation at the most important sessions.

A coordinator and a deputy coordinator, from different regions, draw up the agenda and follow up the actions decided.

The work takes the form of position papers, practical guides, document templates and responses to consultations. Texts adopted by the group are submitted to the Secretariat, which may propose them to the Executive Council or publish them in the member area.

The network has thus contributed to guides on the restitution of cultural property and on import controls.

Participants are invited to prepare their contributions, to read the documents two weeks beforehand, and to share their feedback in writing. Experts who cannot attend a plenary may appoint a deputy with the focal point's agreement.

Travel costs of some experts from middle-income countries may be covered, within the limits of the available budget.

Each meeting results in minutes published in the member area within three weeks. A follow-up table lists the actions agreed, those responsible and their deadlines.

The network's annual review is presented to the General Assembly and incorporated into the Organization's activity report.