GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR FOOD-RELATED SCIENTIFIC ADVICE (GIFSA)

FAO and WHO launched GIFSA at the 30th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, 2 – 7 July 2007. GIFSA, has been established to ensure the sustainable funding of the FAO (in collaboration with WHO) programme on the provision of scientific advice to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and member countries. Contributions will be accepted from governments, organizations and foundations in accordance with FAO and WHO rules. For more information or to make a contribution, please contact: gifsa@fao.org
           
See the reaction from Codex members to the GIFSA launch during the 30th CAC. GIFSA Side Event Minutes [pdf 209kb]

CONCLUSIONS OF THE FAO/WHO CONSULTATIVE PROCESS (2003 – 2007)

FAO and WHO have completed the “Consultative Process” which was requested by the 24th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2001. The objective of the consultative process was to consider ways and means to improve the independence, transparency, timeliness, efficiency, integrity, and sustainability the provision of scientific advice to Codex and FAO/WHO member countries. Four significant outputs have been achieved.

1. FAO/WHO Framework on the Provision of Scientific Advice

The Framework documents the principles, practices and procedures currently applied by FAO and WHO for the provision of scientific advice. Through its development, FAO/WHO management of the overall system for the provision of scientific advice has been enhanced through the harmonization of scientific approaches and operating procedures. The Framework is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish.


2. Clear identification of needs (from Codex and member countries) for FAO/WHO scientific advice and criteria for the prioritization of the requests



Based on the requests received from Codex and member countries, FAO and WHO produce a “table” (April 2007, ALINORM 07/30/9G, Part III) annually which contains a description of the requests made to FAO and WHO.

Both organizations jointly prioritise the requests taking in consideration the “criteria” proposed by Codex (ALINORM 05/28/3, para. 75) as well as the requests of advice from Member Countries and the availability of resources.

3. Definition of new approaches to enhance the participation of experts and the use of data from developing countries in the elaboration of international scientific advice

FAO and WHO are in the process of reviewing recommendations to enhance mechanisms and partnerships to further strengthen the global nature of scientific advice. Priority is being given to three main areas: greater inclusion of data from developing countries; enhancement of the potential for experts from developing countries to be selected as members and have an effective participation in these meetings; and means to enhance the enabling environment at national, regional and international levels.


4. Establishment of the Global Initiative for Food-related Scientific Advice (GIFSA)

In an attempt to meet the growing demand for scientific advice as challenges in the fields of food safety and nutrition continue to emerge, FAO and WHO are establishing a Global Initiative for Food-related Scientific Advice (GIFSA).