FAO - C 2007/REPORT

1. His Excellency Moussa Hussein Abdullah Al-Sarraf, Minister of Public Works and State Minister of Municipal Affairs of Kuwait delivered, on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al Mohamed Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, the Twenty-fifth McDougall Memorial Lecture, in memory of Frank Lidgett McDougall, a founding father of the Organization.

PRESENTATION OF B.R. SEN AWARDS [2]

2. The annual B.R. Sen Award, in recognition of the former Director-General Mr B.R. Sen’s role in transforming FAO from a study organization to a development agency, is presented at each regular session of the Conference to an FAO field officer who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the country or countries to which he or she was assigned.

3. The 2006 B.R. Sen Award was conferred on Mr Brian Dugdill, a national of the United Kingdom, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in developingt an innovative, complete farm-to-consumer dairy food chain system in Mongolia, while serving as Chief Technical Adviser on a Japanese-funded project in that country. Mr Dugdill and his project team introduced six low-cost commercial dairy models designed to transport milk safely and affordably from rural areas to urban centres, with an emphasis on milk quality and profitability. The models were in commercial operation with public and private sector partners at sixteen locations across the central region of Mongolia, where most of the urban population lived. Mongolia was now on its way to self-sufficiency and food security in milk and dairy products, and its ‘white revolution’ had been institutionalized as the official national dairy programme through a 2006 Government resolution. Mr Dugdill’s vision, leadership and sound technical expertise were catalytic factors in the realization of these achievements in a short period of time.

4. The 2007 B.R. Sen Award was conferred on Mr Shin Imai, a national of Japan, in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the adaptation and effective application of an innovative rural development approach to food security, poverty reduction and livelihoods improvement while serving in Indonesia as the Regional Special Programme for Food Security Coordinator for the Japanese-funded SPFS programmes in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Sri Lanka. Three instruments comprised the approach applied to the projects: the Farmers’ Group Development Plan, a field intervention planning tool; the Revolving Fund System, a microfinance management tool; and the Vectorial Project Analysis, a project monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment tool. This approach enhanced the planning capacity of small farmers, putting special focus on the poorest and most disadvantaged segments of the community, while also introducing appropriate institutional arrangements. Mr Imai’s strong coordination role and professional commitment were key factors in the successful application of this approach by the project management units in the four countries. In ongoing efforts to significantly reduce poverty, all four governments had taken concrete actions to replicate and expand these methods to wider areas within their respective countries.

PRESENTATION OF THE A.H. BOERMA AWARD [3]

5. The A.H. Boerma Award for 2006-2007 was presented jointly to Ms Elisabeth Rosenthal, health, science and environment correspondent for the International Herald Tribune/New York Times newspapers, for her very valuable contribution towards increasing public awareness about avian influenza and other food security related issues, and to Mr Hany El Banna, journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Agricultural Magazine for his contribution over 30 years, to increasing awareness about agricultural issues in the Near East region.

PRESENTATION OF THE EDOUARD SAOUMA AWARD [4]

6. The Edouard Saouma Award is presented biennially to an institution that has implemented with particular efficiency a project funded by the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). The Award for 2006-2007 was presented to the “Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimentos” (SAGPyA) of Argentina for its outstanding contribution to the implementation of a TCP project on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

7. The institution was represented at the Ceremony by the Ambassador of Argentina to FAO, His Excellency Victorio José María Taccetti, who had been designated to receive the Award on behalf of the Secretary of SAGPyA, His Excellency Javier de Urquiza and his team. The institution demonstrated outstanding coordination and organizational capacities and played an exceptional role in triggering catalytic effects, through the adoption of the most important policy decision of the last fifteenth years in the grain sector, aimed at differentiating cereals according to their various uses. The dedication, professionalism, motivation and enthusiasm of SAGPyA staff were vital to the successful implementation of the project. This resulted in the practical application of the project outputs by several governmental and private institutions, within the new scenarios of segregation and traceability, contributing thereby to an increased role of the country in the framework of the Cartagena Protocol and a leading position in the Codex Alimentarius-related discussions.

MARGARITA LIZÁRRAGA MEDAL[5]

8. The Margarita Lizárraga Medal for 2006-2007 was presented to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), an intergovernmental organization whose mandate is the promotion of fisheries development in Southeast Asia. SEAFDEC was devoted to the regionalization of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and completed its process with the publication of four Regional Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries in Southeast Asia relating to Fishing Operations, Aquaculture, Fisheries Management and Post-harvest Practices and Trade. It also prepared Supplementary Guidelines on Co-management. SEAFDEC was commended for its outstanding and practical hands-on contribution to the application of the Code.

IN MEMORIAM [6]

9. The Conference observed one minute of silence in memory of those staff members who had died in the service of the Organization since the Conference had last met. The names of the deceased staff members were read and are contained in the Verbatim Records of the Conference.

INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE-CHAIRPERSONS [7]

10. The Conference elected Carlos Vallejo López (Ecuador) as Chairperson of the Thirty-fourth Session of the Conference.

APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL COMMITTEE AND CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE [8]

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION [9]

13. The Conference adopted its Agenda as amended by the General Committee, and as given in Appendix A to this Report.

14. The Conference adopted the arrangements and timetable proposed by the Hundred and Thirty-second Session of the Council, as approved by the General Committee.

Establishment of Commissions and Appointment of their Chairpersons,
Vice-Chairpersons and Drafting Committees

15. The Conference concurred with the Council's recommendations to establish two Commissions to consider and report upon Parts I and II of the Agenda.

16. In accordance with Rule VII and Rule XXIV-5 (b) of the General Rules of the Organization (GRO), the Hundred and Thirty-second Session of the Council nominated Ambassador Mario Arvelo Caamaño (Dominican Republic) as Chairperson of Commission II, and the Hundred and Thirty-third Session of the Council nominated Ambassador Christer Wretborn (Sweden) as Chairperson of Commission I, which the Conference approved.

17. Ms Hasanthi Dissanayake (Sri Lanka) was elected Chairperson of the Drafting Committee for Commission I with the following Membership: Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Qatar and Tanzania.

18. Ambassador Zohrab V. Malek (Armenia) was elected Chairperson of the Drafting Committee for Commission II with the following Membership: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Portugal, Uganda and United States of America.

19. The Conference, taking into consideration the proposals of the General Committee, and in accordance with Rule XIII-2 GRO, appointed the following Vice-Chairpersons:

Resolutions Committee of the Conference

20. The Conference endorsed the recommendation of the Hundred and Thirty-second Session of the Council to establish a Resolutions Committee of seven Members, one from each Region, and appointed the following:

21. The Conference agreed to the recommendation of the General Committee that the Resolutions Committee be chaired by Yasser Abdel Rahman Sorour (Egypt).

22. The Conference approved the functions of the Resolutions Committee and the criteria for the formulation of resolutions, as given in Appendix C of document C 2007/12-Rev.1.

Right of Reply

23. The Conference confirmed the decision taken at its previous sessions to the effect that, when a Member wished to reply to criticisms of its Government's policy, it should preferably do so on the afternoon of the day on which such criticism had been voiced after all those wishing to participate in the discussion had had an opportunity to speak.

Verbatim Records

24. As provided for in Rule XVIII-1 GRO, Verbatim Records were kept of all Conference Plenary and Commission meetings. The Conference endorsed the recommendation of the General Committee that statements could be inserted in the Verbatim Records when time did not permit them to be delivered, taking into consideration, however, the conditions laid down by the General Committee.

Verification of Credentials

25. The credentials of delegations of 172 Members were found valid. The remaining Members did not submit valid credentials.

26. The credentials of the representatives of the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and related organizations were duly deposited as prescribed under Rule III-2 GRO.

High-Level Special Events

27. The Conference noted that the following five High-Level Special Events were held:

28. Reports on the High-Level Special Events were presented to Plenary and are given in Appendices D, E, F, G and H to this Report.

Voting Rights

29. The Conference noted that, in accordance with Article III-4 of the Constitution, at the beginning of the Session 22 Member Nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan) had no right to vote in the Conference, since the amount of their arrears of contributions to the Organization exceeded the amount of the contribution due from them for the two preceding years.

30. Subsequently, one of these Member Nations (Nicaragua) made payments sufficient to regain its voting rights.

31. Three Member Nations (Nauru, Palau and Turkemenistan) had not registered at the Conference and had not requested special consideration.

32. Six Member Nations attending the Session (Antigua and Barbuda, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Sao Tome and Principe, and Solomon Islands) had not requested restoration of voting rights.

33. Twelve Member Nations had requested special consideration under Article III.4 of the Constitution and restoration of their voting rights (Argentina, Costa Rica, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Iraq, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan).

34. The Conference was informed that the Government of Iraq had asked the Director-General to submit to the Conference at its Thirty-fourth Session a request that 70% of its arrears accumulated prior to 1 January 2004 be cancelled, and that its rate of assessment be modified in order to reflect the exceptional deterioration of its financial situation.

35. The Conference decided to restore the voting rights of Iraq. In view of the complex issues raised by Iraq, however, the Conference decided that these issues should be referred to the Finance Committee, the CCLM and the United Nations, as appropriate, for further consideration and advice.

36. After a case-by-case evaluation, the Conference also decided to restore voting rights to eleven Member Nations having requested special consideration under Article III.4 of the Constitution and permission to vote: Argentina, Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and Tajikistan.

37. The Conference further decided to restore voting rights to Burundi by agreeing that payments under an instalment plan proposed by it would be considered as fulfilment of its financial obligations to the Organization. To this effect, the Conference adopted the following Resolution:

Noting that the Government of Burundi had made a proposal to liquidate its arrears of contributions over a period of three years commencing in 2008 in addition to paying each current contribution in the calendar year of assessment,

1. Notwithstanding Financial Regulation 5.5, the arrears of contributions of Burundi, totalling US$ 90,768.33 and Euro 7,024.74, shall be settled through the payment of three annual instalments of US$ 30,256.11 and €2,341.58 each from 2008 to 2010.

3. The annual payment of the instalments referred to above, together with the payment of each current contribution in the calendar year of assessment and any advances to the Working Capital Fund, shall be considered as fulfilment of the financial obligations of the Republic of Burundi to the Organization.

5. Default in payment of two instalments shall render this instalment plan null and void.

ADMISSION OF OBSERVERS [10]

Applicants for Membership

38. The Director-General had provisionally invited applicants for Membership to be represented by observers until a decision had been taken on their applications. The Conference approved the Director-General’s invitation in respect of the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Montenegro and the Faroe Islands.

Admission of Observers from Non-Member Nations

39. The Conference confirmed the invitation issued by the Director-General to the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Montenegro and the Faroe Islands to attend the Session in an observer capacity.

Liberation Movements

40. The Conference confirmed the invitation issued by the Director-General, at the suggestion of the Hundred and Thirty-second Session of the Council, to the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Intergovernmental Organizations and International Non-Governmental Organizations

41. The Conference reviewed the list of intergovernmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations to which the Director-General had extended a provisional invitation to the Session, and confirmed the said provisional invitations.

REVIEW OF THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE [11]

42. One Hundred and Fourteen Heads of Delegation and the Holy See intervened under this agenda item. Members commented on the overall world agricultural and food security situation. Many Members also provided information on agricultural and food security issues in their respective countries. Four observers also spoke.

43. The Conference took note with concern of the persistence of poverty, hunger and undernourishment in numerous countries worldwide and of the insufficiently rapid progress towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, especially MDG1, and the World Food Summit Target of halving the number of undernourished people by no later than 2015. However, it noted with satisfaction the increasing recognition at the international level of the significance of rural development for achieving these objectives and of the crucial role of the agricultural sector, in particular for reducing hunger and poverty worldwide. It especially emphasized the importance of investments and public expenditures to ensure the provision of public goods essential for promoting agricultural and rural development. It also stressed the need to ensure adequate access to appropriate technologies and financing by small farmers.

44. The Conference underlined the need to reconcile increasing levels of agricultural production, in order to feed a growing world population, with that of a sustainable use of our natural resource base and of preserving the provision of crucial environmental services. It expressed particular concern over the impact of climate change, especially on the poorest and most vulnerable countries and populations. It noted that agriculture, while itself contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, was also likely to be one of the sectors most affected by climate change and could also offer possible solutions. In this regard, the Conference stressed the need for strategies to avert and mitigate the effects of climate change. It also noted the increasing frequency of natural disasters and extreme climatic events as one of the consequences of global climate change. In this respect, the Conference stressed the importance of FAO’s early warning and emergency assistance programmes. The Conference also highlighted the need for appropriate action to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, as well as sustainable management of water resources. The importance of sustainable management of fisheries and forest resources was likewise emphasized.

45. The Conference noted major changes occurring in global markets for agricultural products. It expressed concern over the impact of rising commodity prices on access to food and the consequences for food security in numerous countries. It also drew attention to the rapid growth in biofuel production as a major factor affecting agricultural commodity markets. It recognized that, while biofuel development could present opportunities for agricultural producers in developing countries, it also risked having negative consequences on food security as a result of the competition with food production for land and natural resources and of increasing prices for food products. It requested the Secretariat to undertake analysis of the economic, environmental and food security implications of biofuel development. In this connection, support was expressed for the high-level Conferences planned by FAO in 2008, particularly in relation to the impact of climate change and bioenergy.

46. Many Members also emphasized the importance of a free and fair rules-based international trading system, and called for a swift and positive conclusion of the Doha Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. Several Members also called for technical assistance for capacity-building in this area.

47. Members noted a number of other priority areas for FAO’s work, including transboundary pests and diseases (particularly Avian Influenza), the impact of HIV/AIDS, standard-setting in the context of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the progressive realization of the right to food, as well as collection and dissemination of statistical data and information. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of FAO as a knowledge organization. Several Members also underlined the critical role of women in agricultural and rural development, and urged continued progress in the mainstreaming of gender issues in FAO’s work.

48. The Conference confirmed the important role of FAO in providing technical assistance to its Member Nations, inter alia through South-South cooperation. Several Members specifically recognized the important contribution of FAO to their national development efforts.

49. The Conference reiterated the indispensable role of FAO and the continuous need for many of the irreplaceable services it provides, but noted the need for reform of FAO to allow it to properly fulfil its mandate. It welcomed the Report of the Independent External Evaluation (IEE) as a well-documented and thorough basis for reforming FAO, within the context of the overall UN reform process, with a view to strengthening the Organization and enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. It also expressed appreciation for the Management Response “In-Principle” to the IEE Report, prepared by the Secretariat.

SUBSTANTIVE AND POLICY MATTERS IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAO GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF ACTION ^{^[12]}

50. The Conference recalled that the Organization had been requested to prepare a new Plan of Action on Gender and Development (2008-2013) and the Third Progress Report on the Implementation of the existing Plan of Action on Gender and Development (2002-2007) at the Thirty-third Session of the Conference in November 2005.

51. Members received the new Plan favourably, and were pleased that the document had been prepared in a participatory manner fully involving the Technical Divisions. The Plan’s embeddedness in the FAO Programme of Work and Budget, and specific links to the Strategic Framework and MDGs, were welcomed. Some Members expressed their satisfaction for the correspondence of the Plan with the relevant recommendations of the IEE. They appreciated the priority areas stressed in the new Plan and the policy orientations and programme priorities highlighted in the document.

52. Members welcomed the Progress Report and commended FAO for its progress in mainstreaming gender, while taking note of the remaining challenges. They endorsed the report while stressing the need to enhance accountability among all senior-level management; ensure senior-level gender focal points were selected for this purpose and were evaluated on their performance; ensure adequate human and financial resources for its implementation; put in place a system of monitoring and evaluation; increase awareness among staff; reinforce the building of staff capacity in the area of gender mainstreaming; and bring about a better gender balance in the FAO workforce, especially in management positions.

53. Members expressed satisfaction with FAO’s expansion of collaboration with other UN Agencies, especially with the Rome-based Agencies, in such areas as the Socio-Economic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) training programme. At the same time, Members agreed that this collaboration needed to be strengthened, including in collecting sex-disaggregated data and statistics and developing gender-sensitive indicators.

54. The inclusion of emerging issues such as emergencies, climate change and bioenergy, diseases and globalisation in the Plan was appreciated. One Member stressed the need to follow up on the International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD), with necessary funding, highlighting that gender was an important issue among a vast array of crucial matters related to rural development, including the more democratic access to land. Members highlighted the need to also link FAO’s gender mainstreaming work in the One UN pilot country efforts and programmes, and in the fulfilment of MDGs 3 and 1.

55. The Conference expressed appreciation for the gender mainstreaming policy work accomplished so far, and expressed agreement with the new Plan’s focus on implementation. Members stressed the need to do both gender mainstreaming and specific, and measurable, targeted interventions as an explicit implementation strategy. Such targeting should be at outcome level and not just at output level.

56. Finally, the Conference endorsed the new FAO Gender and Development Plan of Action, 2008-2013.

INTERIM REPORT ON THE TRIENNIAL COMPREHENSIVE POLICY REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM ^{^[13]}

57. The Conference recalled the requirement for submitting an Interim Report that originated from FAO Conference Resolution 13/2005. This Resolution requested the Director-General to take appropriate actions for the full implementation of the UN General Assembly Resolution 59/250 on the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System (TCPR 2004).

58. The Conference welcomed the Interim Report and its analysis of FAO’s approach to the implementation of the TCPR. The Conference recognized that FAO’s response to the TCPR had been significant and extensive, and encouraged FAO to continue working along the same lines. Some Members welcomed and encouraged FAO’s participation in the ongoing Delivering as One pilot process, while noting that intergovernmental consideration of the Report of the High-Level Panel (HLP) on System-wide Coherence was still pending.

59. Several Members recommended that FAO continue its efforts with regard to implementation of Conference Resolution 13/2005, consistent with the recommendations of the IEE, while one Member noted that the outcome of the IEE was still under consideration by the Governing Bodies.

60. The Conference emphasized FAO’s role in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals – in particular MDGs 1, 7, and 8 – and acknowledged FAO’s extensive contributions to South-South Cooperation, emergencies and transition from relief to development, and capacity-building at country level. With respect to the last point, the Conference emphasized the importance that capacity-building support national ownership and that it be aligned to national priorities and based on national execution.

61. The Conference noted FAO’s strong commitment to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and to the effective functioning of the Resident Coordinator (RC) system. It recognized the challenges for Specialized Agencies to be able to assist countries with implementation of international norms and standards relating to their specific mandates in the context of the UNDAF, recognizing FAO’s important role in this regard. It encouraged FAO to build more partnerships in this context (with donors and UN organizations and at regional and national levels). The Conference further recognized the need to ensure that coordination costs did not draw resources away from development activities. In this context, it was noted that the cost of coordination should be evaluated against the cost of lack of coordination. It was also stressed that RC fundraising should not be the sole source of resource mobilization at country level for Specialized Agencies, and that there should be room for fundraising for normative activities. One Member stressed the importance of the “one size does not fit all” principle for operational activities at country level, adding that the uniqueness of Specialized Agencies within the UN System should be preserved.

62. While indicating that the reform process offered unique opportunities for more relevance and effectiveness for the Specialized Agencies of the UN System, the Conference acknowledged the challenges with which the Specialized Agencies were faced in the implementation of the TCPR. In particular, it recognized the issues of adequacy, availability and predictability of funding. One Member emphasized the need for an increase of FAO’s Regular Programme resources, adding that operational activities for development should not only rely on extra-budgetary contributions. Another Member noted with concern the decline in ODA, recognizing FAO’s constraints due to the lack of assured programmable resources at country level. The Conference recommended that FAO develop a coherent and dynamic resource mobilization strategy around the priority themes related to its mandate.

63. The Conference recognized the TCPR as the basis for enhancing cooperation among the Rome-based Agencies (IFAD, WFP, FAO). The Conference agreed that another Interim Report should be prepared for the 2009 Conference Session, taking into account the outcome of the ongoing consultations within the UN General Assembly on the TCPR.

Implementation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution on
the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System

Mindful of the crucial importance of the United Nations reform process related, inter alia, to operational activities for development launched by the United Nations Secretary-General and aimed at both ensuring a better coordination of field-level activities and delivering services in a coherent and effective way,

Bearing in mind the relevant recommendations contained in the report of the Independent External Evaluation of FAO:

1. Takes note of the Interim Report prepared by the Secretariat on the Implementation of Resolution 13/2005,

2. Urges the Director-General to continue to pursue efforts toward the full implementation of Resolution 13/2005,

3. Requests the FAO Secretariat to submit to the next ordinary Session of the Conference an Interim Report on the Implementation of Resolution 13/2005, taking into account the negotiated outcome of the 62^nd Session of the General Assembly on the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations.

UNITED NATIONS/FAO WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME [14]

65. Many Members emphasized the importance of the World Food Programme’s partnerships with the Rome-based Agencies, other UN Agencies and NGOs in combatting hunger. New strategic partnerships should also be forged to increase the effectiveness of WFP and to reduce costs. While some Members praised Joint Programme efforts and the record number of partnerships with NGOs, some Members recommended an increase in the Rome-based Agencies’cooperation endeavours.

66. Some Members acknowledged WFP’s all inclusive and participatory approach in preparing its Strategic Plan (2008-2011), and emphasized the need for it to ensure the geographical and gender balance in its human resources restructuring efforts. One Member noted that WFP’s new Strategic Plan would need to make choices regarding where it held the strongest comparative advantage. Concern was voiced that the WFP Management Plan (2007-2008) had, in effect, cut core funded positions in needs assessment at the very time they were most needed.

67. Many Members commended WFP for the effective way in which it carried out its mandate, for its humanitarian and development activities, as well as for its efforts to end child and worldwide hunger. They also appreciated the new initiatives underway to end hunger and malnutrition. WFP is important to developing countries in assisting with the achievement of the MDGs by promoting food security and eradicating poverty.

68. Some Members commended WFP for its effectiveness in emergency operations through its enhanced targeting mechanisms. WFP’s contributions in the area of vulnerability mapping and its lead role in strengthening UN reform in logistics and humanitarian areas were also commended.

69. It was regretted that there was a sustained decline in the proportion of WFP’s funding which was fully multilateral. Untied and flexible aid, as outlined in the Paris Declaration, was necessary.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE POTATO 2008 ^{^[15]}

70. The Conference recalled that during its Thirty-third Session in November 2005, Resolution 4/2005 had been adopted, leading to the Declaration by the United Nations General Assembly, at its Sixtieth Session in December 2005, of 2008 as the International Year of the Potato (IYP).

71. The Conference emphasized the enormous social, cultural and economic value of the potato worldwide, and reaffirmed that the conservation of varieties and development of sustainable potato production and food systems were central elements in addressing global food security and rural poverty in many parts of the world.

72. The Conference noted with appreciation that FAO was reacting with commitment to the United Nations General Assembly’s invitation to play a lead role in facilitating the implementation of the IYP, embracing technological, environmental, economic and social dimensions within its mission to increase awareness of the role of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and its place in the diet and food systems of the world’s population. It noted the need to promote relevant research, conservation and development as means of contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals of eliminating hunger and poverty.

73. The Conference recognized that the IYP provided a major opportunity for the global community to work together towards a shared goal, and underlined the key role to be played at local and national levels, with the participation of all stakeholders – including civil society and private sector partners – in achieving the aims of the IYP.

74. The Conference noted that there was strong and widespread support for the aims of the IYP, observing that national campaigns and programmes to celebrate the IYP were already being activated in many countries. It encouraged the Secretariat to further support those efforts, and to continue sharing information and raising awareness. It also called upon Member Nations to support IYP activities that contributed to food security and sustainable development.

75. The Conference noted that a multi-donor project had been established to enable donors and partners to support FAO’s normative work related to IYP preparation and implementation, monitoring and reporting. It acknowledged the generous support from several donor countries and private sector partners that had already contributed to the Trust Fund, but underlined the need for additional contributions of US$500,000 to ensure the success of the IYP 2008 at country and regional levels.

76. The Conference acknowledged the importance of the potato in both intensifying and diversifying farming systems, and recognized that there were still many technical challenges directly affecting potato production and potato-based food systems that needed to be addressed. Considering the IYP as the first step in a continuing process, the Conference urged FAO to support Member Nations during and beyond 2008 in implementing national programmes and strategies for sustainable development of the potato sector.

77. The Conference noted an apparent increase in the frequency with which International Years were proclaimed, and it urged that careful consideration be given to the issue of funding well in advance of designation of any future Years. It further recommended that the impact of the IYP should be evaluated and reported to the Conference following its completion.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF NATURAL FIBRES 2009 ^{^[16]}

78. The Conference recalled that the Thirty-third Session of Conference in 2005 had endorsed Resolution 3/2005 proposing 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres. It noted that the Director‑General had transmitted this Resolution to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and that the General Assembly had, in December 2006, proclaimed 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF).

79. The Conference noted the economic importance that the various natural fibres played in the countries which produced and consumed them. Many small farmers and other workers relied on the production and export of natural fibres, which contributed significantly to poverty alleviation and food security, especially in rural areas.

80. The Conference acknowledged the initial progress that had been made in implementing arrangements for the IYNF, including the dialogue among participants of natural fibre industries and the formulation of objectives for the Year. It looked forward to FAO playing a leading role in the activities of 2009. However, it recognized that much remained to be done to make the IYNF a success, and that considerable extra-budgetary resources would be required. It urged Members to support the Year so that its potential benefits might be realized.

81. The Conference noted an apparent increase in the frequency with which International Years were proclaimed, and it urged that careful consideration in conjunction with other UN Agencies be given to the issue of funding well in advance and the rationale of the designation of any future Years. It further recommended that the impact of the IYNF should be evaluated and reported to the Conference following its completion.

PROGRAMME AND BUDGETARY MATTERS

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION REPORT 2004-2005 [17]

82. The Conference expressed satisfaction with the concise and more focused document, which provided an overview of organizational performance and a summary of programme implementation based on the application of results-based principles. It noted that the PIR was complemented by the assessment of longer-term outcomes and objectives that are subject of independent evaluations that cover a longer time span than the quantitative biennial picture of the PIR.

83. The Conference looked forward to further improvements being made on the results-based format of the PIR. These included inter alia: further analysis on the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) from the view point of effectiveness and efficiency; articulation of programme achievements related to planned and expected results, with more quantitative analysis of outputs and results of auto-evaluations; more in-depth analysis on the catalytic role of TCP projects and their relation to FAO’s programmes including through support to capacity building; contribution of collaboration with partners, in particular the Rome-based UN Agencies; and a clearer presentation of regional dimensions.

84. The Conference was satisfied that delivery under the Regular Programme had utilized fully the budgeted resources and implemented the programme of work according to plan. Members highlighted positive achievements in delivery, including under Codex and implementation of the split assessment mechanism. Some concerns were raised with regard to the effect on implementation of transfers out of Chapter 2 and the cost of supporting the field programme. Members recalled the fundamental importance of the TCP, and urged the Secretariat to maintain the budget allocation during implementation.

85. The Conference appreciated the detailed reporting on geographic representation and gender balance of professional staff, which was reviewed on a regular basis by the Finance Committee. Some Members expressed concern over the low representation of professional staff from the Asia Region and urged the Secretariat to continue taking initiatives to improve the low representation.

PROGRAMME EVALUATION REPORT [18]

86. The Conference noted the progressive improvements in the methodology, depth and coverage of evaluation activities of FAO.

87. The Conference looked forward to the more timely availability of the Programme Evaluation Report (PER) for future sessions. It was recalled that at the last Conference, a new format and content had been introduced for this report which the Conference had welcomed. The PER provided a summary of the evolving institutional arrangements and policies for evaluation, including the decision of the Council in June 2007 to ensure the full coverage of the evaluation of extra-budgetary resources. The PER also provided a summary of an evaluation of the evaluation function commissioned by the Independent External Evaluation of FAO and summaries of the evaluations which had been considered by the Programme Committee and Council.

88. The Conference reaffirmed the important role which independent evaluations played in organizational accountability and improvement. It was informed that evaluation work had been kept under review by the Programme Committee with a view to ensure that it adhered to advances in professional standards and that it continued to be responsive and useful to the needs of both the membership and management.

PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET 2008-09 [19]

89. The Conference considered the Programme of Work and Budget proposals for the 2008-09 biennium, bearing in mind the views expressed at the Hundred and Thirty-third Session of the Council in the preceding week.

90. The Conference recognized that the full PWB document responded to the guidance provided by the Council at its session of June 2007 and noted that the “maintenance budget” presented and, as explained by the Secretariat, aimed at keeping with the substantive priorities recently expressed by the membership, while factoring anticipated cost increases and other requirements to maintain the purchasing power of FAO’s programmes at the level approved for the 2006-07 biennium contained an increase of slightly over US$ 120 million (US$ 101.4 million for cost increases, and US$ 18.7 million for incremental costs reported to, or endorsed by Members for the 2008-09 period, including capital expenditures, one-time and transition costs of approved reforms and the gradual introduction of Russian as a language of FAO).

91. The Conference also noted that the PWB included phased proposals for the funding of reserves and long-term liabilities to restore the financial health of the Organization, i.e. limited in the 2008-09 biennium to partial replenishment of the Special Reserve Account of US$ 6.4 million (as reflected in a draft Resolution in the PWB document) and an additional assessment of
US$ 30.9 million to fund the After-Service Medical Coverage past service liabilities as prescribed by the latest actuarial valuations.

92. The Conference further acknowledged that the full PWB adhered to the expectations of the Programme and Finance Committees and Council to the effect that: no major reprioritisation had been effected, pending the outcome of the IEE; and Regular Programme and extra-budgetary resources had been presented in a more integrated manner. In addition, planned work in four key multidisciplinary areas had been specially highlighted, as per the Council’s advice: knowledge management, capacity-building, climate change, and bioenergy.

93. The Conference took note that, in view of timing constraints, the proposals in the PWB could not address possible follow-up to the IEE and appreciated that the two tracks of inter-governmental considerations of the PWB and of the IEE documentation converged at the present Session of the Conference.

94. In this connection, the Conference recognized that additional resources would be needed in the year 2008 to support the follow-up to the IEE report, including formulation of an Immediate Plan of Action and a draft Strategic Framework.

95. A majority of Members supported the proposals for the “maintenance budget” as a strict minimum to allow the Organization to continue to operate and serve the needs of its constituents without disruptions in the next biennium, while being also actively engaged in an orderly process of reforms. They did that while recognizing with regret that the provision for the TCP would remain substantially below the level mandated by the Conference in 1989 at 17% of the total budget. The same Members also supported the preliminary proposals in the PWB to restore the financial health of the Organization, including partial replenishment of the Special Reserve Account. They stressed that reserves of the Organization, including the Working Capital Fund and the Special Reserve Account, would need to be built up over the next few biennia to avert the liquidity crunch faced by the Organization every year. They noted that the “maintenance budget” was consistent with the call for a Zero Real Growth budget for 2008-09 and for “reform with growth” made by the IEE.

96. Many other Members, while supporting in principle a “maintenance budget”, expected a lower budget level to be achieved through substantial efficiency savings, without cutting programmes. Considering the ongoing process of the IEE, these Members deemed it necessary to include a review mechanism in the budget Resolution as a means to readjust the PWB, including the budget level at the special Conference in 2008. Moreover, they did not agree with the proposals to replenish the Special Reserve Account (SRA) and to increase the contributions to fund the amortization of After-service Medical Coverage (ASMC) at this point in time.

97. Some other Members did not agree with the proposal to replenish the SRA and to increase the contributions to fund the amortization of ASMC. They also noted that different interpretations could be given of the concept of a “maintenance budget”. They underlined the importance of further efficiency savings as a means of maintaining programmes with fewer resources than the proposed level. They expressed the view that a “maintenance budget” should be viewed in the context of current operations rather than the planned activities for 2008-09.

98. Many Members expected that the implementation of the IEE recommendations in the short term, and in the longer term via the Immediate Plan of Action to be eventually approved by a special session of the Conference in the second half of 2008, would greatly assist in clarifying total requirements under the Regular Budget in the next biennium. Some Members were of the view that budgetary requirements in the first year could be deliberately limited to preserving most important programmes.

99. Some Members expressed the view that the budget level for the next biennium was unrealistically high.

100. One Member underlined that the level of the budget proposed in the PWB could not be supported, as it was not in line with the financial discipline his country sought in international organizations, and given the expectation of significant gains in efficiency from the implementation of the IEE recommendations.

101. Another Member stressed that the PWB proposals could not be considered in isolation, given the unique opportunity offered by the IEE for significant reforms towards a stronger and more efficient FAO. He underlined his Government’s preference for a budget level substantially lower than that involved in the “maintenance budget” presented in the PWB.

102. In view of the above range of opinions, a group of the “Friends of the Chair” dealing with the budget level was established to assist in bridging differences.

Having considered the Director-General's Programme of Work and Budget in the light of Conference Resolution 5/2007;

Having considered the proposed total net appropriation of US$ 867,628,000 for the financial period 2008-09 at the 2006-07 rate of Euro 1= US$ 1.19 which assumes US dollar and Euro expenditure equal to US$ 432,148,000 and Euros 365,950,000;

Having considered that the above net appropriation is equivalent to US$ 929,840,000 at the budget rate of Euro 1 = US$ 1.36 established for 2008-09 after translation of the Euro portion;

1. Approves the Programme of Work proposed by the Director-General for 2008‑09 as follows:

a) Appropriations are voted at a rate of Euro 1 = US$ 1.36 for the following purposes:

b) The appropriations (net) voted in paragraph (a) above include in Chapter 1 an amount of US$ 4,000,000 to fund the implementation of the Resolution on the Follow-up to the Independent External Evaluation of FAO (Resolution 5/2007) and an amount of US$ 1,700,000 for the introduction of Russian as a language of the Organization

c) The appropriations (net) voted in paragraph (a) above minus estimated Miscellaneous Income in the amount of US$ 5,000,000 shall be financed by assessed contributions from Member Nations of US$ 924,840,000 to implement the Programme of Work.

d) Such contributions shall be established in US dollars and Euro and shall consist of US$ 428,258,000 and Euro 365,134,000. This takes into account a split of 46.5% US dollars and 53.5% Euro for the appropriations (net) and of 77.8% for US dollars and 22.2% Euro for Miscellaneous income.

e) An additional amount of US$ 14,100,000 shall also be financed by assessed contributions from Member Nations to fund the amortization of After-service Medical Coverage (ASMC). The contributions shall be established in US dollars and euro, taking into account a split of 40% US dollars and 60% euro, and shall therefore amount to US$ 5,640,000 and Euro 6,221,000.

f) The total contributions due from Member Nations to implement the approved Programme of Work and to fund the amortization of ASMC shall amount to US$ 433,898,000 and Euro 371,355,000. Such contributions due from Member Nations in 2008 and 2009 shall be paid in accordance with the scale of contributions adopted by the Conference at its Thirty-fourth Session.

g) In establishing the actual amounts of contributions to be paid by individual Member Nations, a further amount shall be charged through the Tax Equalization Fund for any Member Nation that levies taxes on the salaries, emoluments and indemnities received by staff members from FAO and which are reimbursed to the staff members by the Organization. An estimate of US$ 11,600,000 has been foreseen for this purpose.

2. Requests the Director-General to report to the Finance Committee on-going adjustments to the Programme and Work for the further unidentified savings and efficiency gains amounting to US$ 22,145,000 referred to in paragraph 1(a) above which are currently not reflected in the Chapter structure, noting that both within Chapter transfers and transfers from one Chapter to another required to implement the proposals will be handled in accordance with Financial Regulation 4.5.

3. Reserves the right at its Special Session in November 2008 to re-examine the appropriations (net) voted in paragraph 1 (a) above with a view to approving any adjustment that may be required as a result of decisions on the Immediate Plan of Action in relation to the Independent External Evaluation of FAO (IEE).

4. Encourages Members to provide voluntary contributions to facilitate areas of early action arising from the IEE recommendations which fall within the authority of the Director-General.

Noting that one of the purposes of the Special Reserve Account, established by Conference Resolution 13/81 is, subject to prior review and approval by the Programme and Finance Committees, to finance unbudgeted extra costs of approved programmes due to unforeseen inflationary trends, to the extent that such costs cannot be met through budgetary savings without impairing the execution of such programmes;

Noting that the Programme and Finance Committees, at their Joint Meeting of September 2006, agreed to charging a portion of the unforeseen and unbudgeted General Service salary increase of 2006‑07 arising from the Rome-based General Service Salary Survey results, in an amount of US$ 6.4 million, to the Special Reserve Account, and that this was supported by the Council at its Session of November 2006;

Recalling that the Finance Committee, at its Session of September 2006, recommended that the necessary funding for the US$ 6.4 million charged to the Special Reserve Account be secured through a replenishment of an equivalent amount through Member Nations’ assessments for the Special Reserve Account at the time of the formulation of the Programme of Work and Budget for 2008-09;

Recalling further that the Council, at its Session of November 2006, requested the Finance Committee to review the funding of unbudgeted costs and to report the results to the Council;

Having considered, in line with the foregoing, the proposals submitted by the Director-General to the Finance Committee at its Session of September 2007, and to the Council at its Session of November 2007, for the replenishment of the Special Reserve Account in an amount of US$6.4 million; the Conference in considering the matter further;

Decides to defer the replenishment of the Special Reserve Account, in the amount of US$6.4 million, and to revisit this matter at the 2008 Conference.

INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF FAO [22]

104. Having recalled the Hundred and Thirty-third Session of the Council Report, the Conference unanimously welcomed the Report of the Independent External Evaluation (IEE) of FAO. It shared the assessment of the Council that the evaluation was the most comprehensive, wide-ranging and forward-looking evaluation conducted of a UN organization. It agreed that the IEE had fully met its terms of reference. The evaluation had followed a sound methodology, which was consultative of the views of the main stakeholders. It was comprehensive, evidence-based and provided valuable and well documented findings and recommendations for the future of FAO.

105. The Conference welcomed the Management Response “In Principle” (document
C 2007/7 B). In particular, it appreciated management’s statement to the Conference of support for IEE implementation of “reform with growth” and management’s determination to immediately initiate reforms and improvements, in line with the recommendations of the IEE which lay within the effective authority of the Director-General and which did not have incremental cost implications.

106. The Conference expressed its appreciation to all those who had contributed to the IEE process, especially the IEE core team, the Chair of the Council Committee for the IEE, Ambassador Perri, and the Independent Chairperson of the Council, Professor Noori-Naeini who had led the Friends of the Chair process. The invaluable support extended by the FAO Director-General, the Secretariat, especially Mr. John Markie, Chief of the Evaluation Service and his colleagues, was also appreciated.

107. In approving Resolution 5/2007, the Conference reaffirmed the commitment of the membership to the fulfilment of FAO’s mandate. Agriculture remains central in addressing the world’s problems of hunger, poverty and economic and social development. It was recognized as being crucial in addressing the challenges of climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. The IEE had found that the world needed FAO, but a more relevant, effective and efficient FAO. Building on the results of the IEE, the Conference declared its determination to move forward speedily, with dynamism and unity in the renewal of the Organization, making it fit and responsive to the needs of the 21^st century.

1. Recalls its Resolution 6/2005 in 2005 to undertake the Independent External Evaluation of FAO, with a view to “chart the way forward” for FAO.

2. Welcomes the IEE report which will provide the basis for Members’ decision making on an integrated package of reform with growth for the Organization. Welcomes also the Director-General’s Management Response “In Principle”, which will further assist Members’ decision making.

3. Reaffirms the global mandate of FAO for food, agriculture and the related natural resource bases and welcomes the renewed global emphasis on the important role of agriculture for the present and future wellbeing of all, stressing the importance of the Millennium Declaration and the major contributions which the Organization has to make in supporting the three agreed Goals of Member Nations as stated in the Strategic Framework:

- agriculture’s contribution to sustainable economic and social development; and

4. Reaffirms its political will and determination to seize this opportunity and to undertake early and well considered action for a programme of FAO renewal, in the overall context of UN system reforms.

5. Develop an Immediate Plan of Action and a Strategic Framework for FAO renewal after a systematic review of the IEE report and its findings and recommendations and the management response. The Plan of Action will address:

In addressing each of the actions for reform, the Immediate Plan of Action will specify: the financial implications; targets to be achieved; timetable for implementation; and implementation milestones over the period 2009-2011.

6. Convene a special session of the FAO Conference in the latter part of 2008, immediately preceded by a shortened session of the Council. This special session of the Conference will provide for the entirety of the membership to come together to discuss and decide upon proposals for an Immediate Plan of Action and make decisions on the budgetary implications.

7. Establish a time-bound Conference Committee under Article VI of the FAO Constitution, mandated to complete its work with the presentation of proposals for an Immediate Plan of Action to the Special Session of the Conference in 2008. This Committee will be open to full participation by all Members of the Organization. It will strive for transparency and unity in its work and will collectively decide the final recommendations of the Committee to the Conference, arriving at its decisions to the maximum extent possible through consensus. It will conduct its work in all the languages of the Organization. The functions of the Committee, without prejudice to the statutory functions of the standing committees of the Council, are to:

8. In order to maintain the necessary momentum in reaching agreement on an Immediate Plan of Action for FAO reform with growth, to request the Conference Committee to initiate its work in December 2007 and develop its working arrangements, indicative schedule of work and timetable of deliverables before the end of January 2008. Considering that the special session of the FAO Conference should be held no later than November 2008, the Conference requests the Committee to provide a progress report by 1 May 2008 and its final report before the end of September 2008, and give early attention to:

9. Appoint Prof. Mohammed Saeid Noori-Naeini as Chair, and Ms Agnes van Ardenne van der Hoeven and Wilfred Joseph Ngirwa as Vice-Chairs of the Committee. The Committee shall appoint its Bureau and co-Vice-Chairs respecting regional representation. The meetings of the Bureau will be open to non-speaking observers and will address exclusively administrative and organizational matters.

10. In the interests of efficiency, the Committee of the Conference will establish such
task-defined working groups as it requires to prepare individual inputs for its consideration. The working groups will be made up of a maximum of three member country representatives per region. Meetings of the working groups will be open to observers from the whole of the FAO membership, ensuring transparency, and will conduct their work in all languages of the Organization. In order to assure that all Members may be present at Working Group and Bureau sessions, no meetings will be held simultaneously with the same timings nor will they coincide with Bureau meetings. The chairs of the Committee, the Bureau and the working groups will ensure that aide-mémoires are available to the FAO membership following each session. The Chairperson of the Committee will present its final report to the Special Session of the Conference.

11. FAO management will provide full support, as requested, to the workings of the Conference Committee, its Bureau and its working groups.

12. In conducting its work, the Conference Committee will decide when necessary to call on the Committees of the Council to give their advice on aspects of the reform process within their mandates.

13. The Conference recognizes the need for additional resources for the 2008-09 Regular Programme Budget of the Organization to fund the implementation of this Resolution, amounting to US$4 million and provided for in Resolution 3/2007.

LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

ADOPTION OF RUSSIAN AS A LANGUAGE OF THE ORGANIZATION (AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE XXII OF THE CONSTITUTION AND RULE XLVII OF THE
GENERAL RULES OF THE ORGANIZATION) ^{^[24]}

109. The Conference noted that the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters (CCLM), at its Eighty-first Session (4 and 5 April 2007) had proposed to the Council, at its Hundred and Thirty-second Session (18-22 June 2007) two draft Conference resolutions for the adoption of Russian as a language of the Organization. Both resolutions had been endorsed by the Council and forwarded to the Conference for approval.

110. One of the resolutions provided for the Russian text of the Constitution to be equally authoritative with the texts in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish, which involved an amendment of Article XXII of the Constitution. The Council also proposed that, through the same resolution, the Conference should approve an authentic Russian text of the Constitution.

111. Furthermore, the Conference noted that the Council had, also on the basis of a recommendation of the CCLM, endorsed a draft Conference resolution amending Rule XLVII of the General Rules of the Organization on the languages of the Organization.

112. The Conference adopted, by a nominal vote, the following Resolution amending the Constitution and approving the authentic Russian text of the Constitution:

Amendment of Article XXII of the FAO Constitution -
Authentic Russian Text of the FAO Constitution

Recalling the decision taken by the First Session of the Conference held in Quebec City, Canada, 16 October - 1 November 1945, that the languages of the Organization shall be those adopted by the United Nations Organization;

Recalling further the decision taken at its Special Session held in Washington, D.C., in 1950 where the Conference expressed the view that consideration should be given to constitutional amendments to make the text of the Constitution in other languages of the Organization equally authentic;

Considering that Belarus and the Russian Federation became Member Nations of the Organization in 2005 and 2006 respectively;

Having considered that, at its Hundred and Thirty-second Session, held from 18 to 22 June 2007, the Council, on the recommendation of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, at its Eighty-first session, held on 4 and 5 April 2007, proposed that the Russian text of the Constitution should be equally authoritative with the texts in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish, and that the Constitution should be amended to that effect;

113. The Conference also adopted by a nominal vote an amendment to Rule XLVII of the General Rules of the Organization concerning the Adoption of Russian as a language of the Organization:

Amendment of Rule XLVII of the General Rules of the Organization -
Adoption of Russian as a Language of the Organization

Recalling the decisions taken by the Thirty-fourth Session of the Conference to approve an authentic Russian text of the FAO Constitution and to amend Article XXII of the Constitution whereby “the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts of this Constitution shall be equally authoritative”;

Considering that Belarus and the Russian Federation became Member Nations of the Organization in 2005 and 2006 respectively;

Having considered that, at its Hundred and Thirty-second Session, held from 18 to 22 June 2007, the Council, on the recommendation of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, at its Eighty-first session, held on 4 and 5 April 2007, proposed that Rule XLVII of the General Rules of the Organization be amended to the effect that Russian should be a language of the Organization;

Decides to amend Rule XLVII of the General Rules of the Organization as follows:

“Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the languages of the Organization”.

OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL MATTERS

Streamlining of Membership Rules of the Open Committees of the FAO Council (Amendments to the General Rules of the Organization) [25]

114. The Conference noted that the issue of the streamlining of membership rules of the open Committees of the FAO Council had been examined by the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, at its Eightieth Session (Rome, 2-3 October 2006), which proposed various amendments to the General Rules of the Organization. The Council, at its Hundred and Thirty-first Session (Rome, 20-25 November 2006), endorsed a draft Conference resolution amending Rule XXIX.2, Rule XXX.2, Rule XXXII.2 and Rule XXXIII.2 of the General Rules of the Organization and forwarded it to the Conference.

Amendment to Rule XXIX.2, Rule XXX.2, Rule XXXI.2, Rule XXXII.2, and Rule XXXIII.2 of the General Rules of the Organization

Having taken note of the views of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, at its Eightieth Session (Rome, 2-3 October 2006) on the proposed amendments to Rule XXIX.2 (Members of the Committee on Commodity Problems), Rule XXX.2 (Members of the Committee on Fisheries), Rule XXXI.2 (Members of the Committee on Forestry), Rule XXXII.2 (Members of the Committee on Agriculture), and Rule XXXIII.2 (Members of the Committee on World Food Security) of the General Rules of the Organization;

Considering that the Council, at its Hundred and Thirty-first Session (Rome, 20-25 November 2006), agreed to transmit to the Conference, for approval, the proposed amendments to the above mentioned Rules XXIX.2, XXX.2, XXXI.2, XXXII.2, and Rule XXXIII.2 of the General Rules of the Organization;

Having noted that these Rules that require biennial notification of membership to the “Open Committees” of the Council resulted in cumbersome and time-consuming administrative processes, without offering any added value to the substantive work of such Committees, and that the proposed amendment to the above Rules dealing with membership to these Committees would allow streamlining administrative procedures with respect to participation of Members;

Having further noted that there has to be formal recognition of the effective presence of Members at the meetings of the above Committees to avoid the validity of the deliberations being questioned, but that it is equally evident that the present system based on expiry of membership at the end of each biennium places an administrative burden on Permanent Representatives, Government Offices and the Secretariat, and that reducing this burden would significantly contribute to efficiency savings in governance;

Recalling that the principle of loss of membership after failure to attend two consecutive sessions of one the Governing bodies of the Organization is already contained in Rule XXII.7 of the General Rules of the Organization governing Membership of the FAO Council which provides that “A Member of the Council shall be considered to have resigned if [...] it has not been represented at two consecutive sessions of the Council.”;

Decides [26] to amend Rule XXIX.2, Rule XXX. 2, Rule XXXI.2, Rule XXXII.2, and Rule XXXIII.2 of the General Rules of the Organization as follows:

“2. The notification [...] may be made at any time and Membership acquired on the basis thereof shall be ~~for a biennium~~ considered valid unless the Member has not been represented at two consecutive sessions of the Committee, or has notified its withdrawal from it. The Director-General shall circulate, at the beginning of each session of the Committee, a document listing the Members of the Committee.”

Amendments to the General Regulations of WFP [27]

116. The Conference noted that the Executive Board of the World Food Programme had recommended amendments to the General Regulations of the Programme, in order to allow for the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards at WFP. The Conference was informed that the proposed amendments to the General Regulations had been endorsed both by the Economic and Social Council and the Council of FAO which had forwarded them to the General Assembly of the United Nations and the Conference of FAO for approval, in accordance with Article XV, paragraph 1 of the General Regulations of WFP. The Conference also noted that the amendments would be adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations at its current session.

117. Therefore, the Conference adopted the following amendments to the General Regulations of WFP:

“(viii) consider ~~the biennial report on inspections and investigations~~ the annual report of the Inspector-General, and take such action thereon as it considers appropriate.”

[6. The Executive Director will submit the following to the Executive Board for

“(b) ~~biennial~~ annual financial statements of WFP, together with the report of the External Auditor”.

AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2004-2005 [28]

118. The Conference took note of the Audited Accounts 2004-2005 and the Report of the External Auditor, as reviewed by the Finance Committee at its Hundred and Fifteenth Session and by the Council at its Hundred and Thirty-first Session, and adopted the following Resolution:

Having considered the Report of the Hundred and Thirty-first Session of the Council, and

Having examined the 2004-2005 FAO Audited Accounts and the External Auditor's Report thereon,

Invites the Secretariat to further implement the recommendations of the External Auditors, and

SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS 2008-2009 ^{^[29]}

119. The Conference noted that at its Hundred and Thirty-second Session the Council had recommended that the FAO proposed Scale of Contributions for 2008-2009 be derived from the UN Scale of Assessments in force during 2007.

Having noted the recommendations of the Hundred and Thirty-second Session of the Council;

Confirming that, as in the past, FAO should follow the United Nations Scale of Assessments subject to adaptation for the different membership of FAO;

1. Decides that the FAO Scale of Contributions for 2008-2009 should be derived directly from the United Nations Scale of Assessments in force during 2007.

2. Adopts for the use in 2008 and 2009 the Scale as set out in Appendix I of this Report.

PAYMENT BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES ARISING OUT OF ITS MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION [30]

“A Member Organization shall not be required to contribute to the budget as specified in paragraph 2 of this Article, but shall pay to the Organization a sum to be determined by the Conference to cover administrative and other expenses arising out of its membership in the Organization [...]”.

122. At its Twenty-seventh Session in 1993, the Conference requested the Finance Committee to examine the methodology for the calculation of the lump sum paid by the European Community. At its Seventy-eighth Session in April 1994, the Finance Committee recommended a methodology on the basis of which the Conference set the payment to be made by the European Community at various sessions.

123. The methodology was re-examined by the Finance Committee at its Hundred-and-eighth Session (September 2004) and Hundred-and-ninth Session (May 2005). The Committee examined a proposal for a revised methodology whereby the biennial adjustment to the European Community’s contribution would reflect the official cost of living increases in the Euro area or in the host country. Under the revised methodology, the adjustment formula would be more in line with the system of split assessment and would not have a material impact on the biennial adjustment to the contribution of the European Community to the Organization. The Committee agreed with the proposed revision of the methodology whereby the higher rate of the official cost of living increase in the Euro area or in the host country would be used to adjust the European Community’s contribution for any given biennium.

124. Applying the new methodology, the Thirty-third Session of the Conference in 2005 set the lump payment due by the European Community at Euro 517 145 for the 2006-07 biennium.

125. In accordance with the above, the methodology to be used for adjusting the lump sum was based on the higher rate of the official cost of living increase in the Euro area or in the host country. Using the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) figures, the consumer price inflation for the Euro Area (27 countries) for 2006 was 2.2% and for 2007 is forecast to be 2.0%, which gives an average of 2.1%. The EIU figures for harmonized consumer price index for Italy are, for 2006, 2.2% and for 2007, forecast at 1.9%, which gives an average of 2.05%. Therefore the inflation figure used in the calculation was 2.1%, being the higher of the two. Applying this rate to the previous contribution of Euro 517 145 gave the new figure of Euro 528 005.

126. The Conference set the lump-sum payment due by the European Community to cover administrative and other expenditures arising out of its membership in the Organization at Euro 528 005 for the 2008-09 biennium.

127. As in previous biennia, it is proposed that the sum due by the European Community be paid into a trust or special fund established by the Director-General under Financial Regulation 6.7.

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS [31]

Statement by Representative of FAO Staff Bodies

128. The President of the Association of Professional Staff (APS) spoke on behalf of the three Staff Representative Bodies focusing his intervention on the Independent External Evaluation of FAO. He indicated that staff are committed and support reform and stressed the need for sufficient funding to implement the programmes that Members require.

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION [32]

129. The Conference had before it applications for membership from the following countries:

130. The Conference also had before it an application for associate membership from the Faroe Islands.

131. These applications were supplemented by the formal instrument required under Article II of the Constitution, and were thus found to be in order. They were submitted within the time limit prescribed by Rule XIX GRO.

132. The Conference proceeded to a secret ballot on the applications from the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Montenegro and the Faroe Islands at its second plenary meeting on Saturday, 17 November 2007, in accordance with Article II-2 of the Constitution and Rule XII-9 of the General Rules of the Organization. The results were as follows:

133. The Conference accordingly admitted the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of Montenegro to membership, and the Faroe Islands to associate membership, of the Organization.

134. The Conference decided that, according to established principles and customs, the contribution due for the last quarter of 2007 and the advance to be made to the Working Capital Fund was as follows:

ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS [33]

135. The Conference then elected the following Member Nations as Members of the Council:

REGION (SEATS)	MEMBERS
Africa (4)	1. Ghana 2. Mauritania 3. United Republic of Tanzania 4. Zimbabwe
Asia (3)	1. India 2. Indonesia 3. Pakistan
Europe (4)	1. France 2. Italy 3. Norway 4. United Kingdom
Latin America and the Caribbean (1)	1. El Salvador
Near East (3)	1. Afghanistan 2. Egypt 3. Saudi Arabia
North America (0)
South West Pacific (1)	1. Australia

APPOINTMENTS

Appointment of the Independent Chairperson of the Council [34]

136. The Conference had before it one nomination for the office of Independent Chairperson of the Council.

137. The Conference, after a secret ballot, appointed Mohammad Saeid Noori-Naeini (Iran, Islamic Republic of) to the office of Independent Chairperson of the Council and adopted the following Resolution:

Having proceeded to a secret ballot, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XII of the General Rules of the Organization:

1. Declares that Mohammad Saeid NOORI NAEINI is appointed Independent Chairperson of the Council for a period of two years, that is, until the end of the regular session of the Conference to be held in 2009;

2. Decides that the conditions of appointment, including the allowances attached to the office of the Independent Chairperson of the Council, shall be as follows:

3. Decides, mindful of the fact that the amount of the annual allowance of the Independent Chairperson of the Council had not been adjusted since 1993, that in the future the amount of the annual allowance be determined on the basis of a study by the Finance Committee.

Appointment of Representatives of the FAO Conference to the Staff Pension Committee [35]

138. In accordance with Article 6(c) of the Regulations of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the Conference appointed four members and three alternate members to the Staff Pension Committee as follows and for the periods specified below:

OTHER MATTERS

DATE AND PLACE OF THE THIRTY-FIFTH CONFERENCE SESSION [36]

139. The Conference decided that a special Session of Conference should be held in Rome from 17 to 22 November 2008.

REPORTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES (INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND, 3-7 SEPTEMBER 2007) AND OF THE ELEVENTH REGULAR SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (ROME, 11-15 JUNE 2007) ^{^[37]}

140. The Conference considered the reports of the International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Interlaken, Switzerland, 3-7 September 2007), and of the Eleventh Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Rome, 11-15 June 2007).

141. The Conference expressed its gratitude to the Swiss Government for having hosted the International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and to the many countries which had generously supported the process, both in cash and in kind.

142. The Conference welcomed the outcomes of the Interlaken Conference, the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the Interlaken Declaration on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as milestones in international efforts to promote the sustainable use, development and conservation of animal genetic resources.

143. The Conference also welcomed the Multi-year Programme of Work, adopted by the Eleventh Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It noted that the Commission would oversee, assess and report on the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.

144. The Conference acknowledged the need for new and additional resources for the successful implementation of the Global Plan of Action. It noted that, while the primary responsibility for its implementation rested with national governments, developing countries lacked adequate resources. It agreed that financial support, capacity-building and technology transfer were necessary to successfully implement the Global Plan of Action in developing countries. It requested the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to develop a Funding Strategy for the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. It also noted the important role of FAO and its Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to support country-driven efforts.

145. The Conference noted that the Global Plan of Action would facilitate the sustainable utilization and exchange of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture in accordance with relevant international obligations and national laws.

146. The Conference recognized the important role of small-scale livestock keepers, particularly in developing countries, as custodians of most of the world’s animal genetic resources for food and agriculture in the use, development and conservation of livestock resources. It requested the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to address this issue in its report to the 2009 session of the FAO Conference.

International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Interlaken, Switzerland, 3-7 September 2007) and 11^th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Rome, 11-15 June 2007)

Welcoming the successful outcome of the International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which adopted the Interlaken Declaration on Animal Genetic Resources and the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources;

Welcoming the State of World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as the first comprehensive worldwide assessment of the state of animal genetic resources; and

Reiterating the essential roles and values of genetic resources for food and agriculture, including animal genetic resources, in particular their contribution to food security for present and future generations, and the threats to food security and sustainable livelihoods posed by the loss and erosion of these resources:

MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE ORGANIZATION’S CASH SHORTAGE SITUATION [38]

148. The Conference noted that the Finance Committee in May 2006, September 2006 and May 2007 had reviewed the impact on the Organization’s liquidity situation of Members’ outstanding contributions and had proposed to the Council some measures to encourage timely payment of contributions. The Conference noted that the Hundred and Thirty-third Session of the Council had discussed two draft resolutions on Measures to Improve the Organization’s Cash Shortage Situation, and that the Council had recommended that discussions should continue during the Thirty-fourth Session of the Conference with a view to reaching agreement on the issue. As a result of negotiations during this Session, two draft resolutions were submitted to the Conference under Item 25, Any Other Matters. Having considered all aspects, the Conference adopted the following Resolutions:

Noting that the Regular Programme liquidity situation of the Organization is critical and can only be improved through timely payment of assessed contributions by all Member Nations;

Recognizing that a comprehensive package of measures is required in order to encourage the payment in full and on time by all Member Nations of their assessed contributions;

Recalling that accumulation of non-payment could impact upon Member Nations’ voting rights and seats in the Council, while the Conference may, nevertheless, permit such Member Nations to vote if it is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the control of the Member Nations concerned;

Measures to Encourage Timely Payment of Contributions – Acceptance of Non-Freely Convertible Currencies under Certain Conditions

Noting that the Regular Programme liquidity situation of the Organization is critical and can only be improved through timely payment of assessed contributions by the Member Nations;

Recognizing that additional measures are required in order to encourage timely payment from Member Nations of assessed contributions;

· the Organization requires to have activities in the country for which the currency can be spent;

· the currency is usable without further negotiation within the exchange regulations of the country;

· local currency contributions can only be accepted in such amounts as can be utilized during a short period of time, with a view to ensuring that the currency is received and spent at the same UN operational exchange rate;

· credit shall be granted against assessed contributions at the UN operational rates of exchange in force on the date the local currency is received in a bank account of the Organization;

· where the UN operational rate of exchange differs significantly from the market exchange, the rate of exchange to be applied for the purpose of crediting the contribution of the Member Nation is the rate that FAO will have obtained for the conversion into euro/dollars at the date on which the local currency is credited to the bank account of the Organization;

· local currency amounts will not be accepted for those countries whose currency is subject to persistent devaluation. If at any time during the period of utilization of the local currency funds, there shall occur a reduction in the exchange value or a significant devaluation of the local currency with respect to the euro/dollar, the Member Nation will be required upon notification to make an adjusting payment to cover the exchange loss pertaining to the unspent balance of that contribution;

· payments of arrears shall not be accepted in non-freely convertible currencies.

EQUITABLE GEOGRAPHICAL AND GENDER DISTRIBUTION IN THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF STRUCTURE[39]

149. The Conference commended the efforts being made by the Organization to redress geographical and gender imbalances in the professional staff structure.

150. The Conference requested the Director-General to pursue actively such efforts in accordance with Article VIII, paragraph 3 of the Constitution, Resolution 1/99 “Correction of Geographical and Gender Imbalances in the Professional Staff Structure” and Resolution 15/2003 “Methodology for Equitable Geographic Distribution”.

[1] C 2007/INF/9; C 2007/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[2] C 2007/INF/6; C 2007/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[3] C 2007/INF/7; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/11.

[4] C 2007/LIM/6; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/11.

[5] C 2007/LIM/6; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/11.

[6] C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[7] C 2007/LIM/8; C 2007/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[8] C 2007/LIM/4; C 2007/LIM/8; C 2007/LIM/10; C 2007/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[9] C 2007/1; C 2007/12-Rev.1; C 2007/INF/4; C 2007/LIM/9; C 2007/LIM/10; C 2007/LIM/18; C 2007/LIM/20;
C 2007/LIM/21; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[10] C 2007/13; C 2007/LIM/9; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[11] C 2007/2; C 2007/PV/4; C 2007/PV/5; C 2007/PV/6; C 2007/PV/7; C 2007/PV/8; C 2007/PV/11.

[12] C 2007/16; C 2007/19; C 2007/I/PV/1; C 2007/I/PV/3; C 2007/PV/11.

[13] C 2007/17; C 2007/LIM/11; C 2007/I/PV/1; C 2007/I/PV/3.; C 2007/PV/11.

[14] C 2007/INF/10; C 2007/INF/14; C 2007/PV/I/2; C 2007/PV/I/3; C 2007/PV/11.

[15] C 2007/14; C 2007/I/PV/2; C 2007/I/PV/3; C 2007/PV/11.

[16] C2007/15; C 2007/I/PV/2; C 2007/I/PV/3; C 2007/PV/11.

[17] C 2007/8; C 2007/LIM/2; CL 131/PV/5; CL 131/PV/6; CL 131/PV/11; C 2007/II/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[18] C 2007/4; C 2007/II/PV/1; C 2007/PV/11.

[19] C 2007/3; C 2007/LIM/14; C 2007/II/PV/2; C 2007/PV/11.

[20] C 2007/PV/9.

[21] C 2007/PV/9.

[22] C 2007/7A.1-Rev.1; C 2007/7A.1-Corr.1; C 2007/7A.2; C 2007/7B; C 2007/II/PV/3; C 2007/II/PV/4; C 2007/PV/11.

[23] C 2007/PV/9.

[24] C 2007/18; C 2007/PV/10; C 2007/PV/11.

[25] C 2007/LIM/1; C 2007/PV/10; C 2007/PV/11.

[26] Words struck out to be deleted, words underlined to be added.

[27] C 2007/LIM/16; C 2007/PV/10; C 2007/PV/11.

[28] C 2007/5A; C 2007/5 B; C 2007/LIM/3; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[29] C 2007/INF/11; C 2OO7/LIM/5; C 2007/LIM/5-Corr.1; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11..

[30] C 2007/LIM/17; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[31] C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[32] C 2007/10; C 2007/LIM/9; C 2007/PV/2; C 2007/PV/11.

[33] C 2007/11; C 2005/PV11; C 2007/PV/11.

[34] C 2007/9; C 2007/LIM/22; C 2007/PV/11; C 2007/PV/11.

[35] C 2007/6; C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[36] C 2007/PV/9; C 2007/PV/11.

[37] C 2007/INF/23; C 2007/LIM/11; C 2007/LIM/13; C 2007/I/PV/1; C 2007/I/PV/3; C 2007/PV/11.

[38] C 2007/LIM/7; C 2007/PV/II; C 2007/PV/11.

[39] C 2007/PV/11; C 2007/PV/11.

China	Kuwait
Denmark	New Zealand
Gabon	United States of America
Guatemala

Austria	Gabon	San Marino
Canada	Malaysia	Ukraine
El Salvador	Oman	Zambia

Commission I	Abdelmalek Tittah (Algeria)
	Ms Hedwig Wögerbauer (Austria)

Commission II	James Melanson (Canada)
	Yaya Olaniran (Nigeria)

	US$
Chapter 1: Corporate Governance	27,038,000
Chapter 2: Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems	266,474,000
Chapter 3: Knowledge Exchange, Policy and Advocacy	239,851,000
Chapter 4: Decentralization, UN Cooperation and Programme Delivery	234,553,000
Chapter 5: Management and Supervision Services	139,671,000
Chapter 6: Contingencies	600,000
Chapter 8: Capital Expenditure	20,378,000
Chapter 9: Security Expenditure	23,420,000
Further unidentified savings and efficiency gains	-22,145,000
Total Appropriation (Net)	929,840,000
Chapter 10: Transfer to Tax Equalization Fund	94,300,000
Total Appropriation (Gross)	1,024,140,000

Nation	Contribution Last Quarter 2007		Working Capital Fund Advance
Nation	EURO	US $	EURO	US $
Principality of Andorra	2,209.76	2,206.64		2,000.00
Republic of Montenegro	441,95	441.33		250
Faroe Islands	1,591.02	1,588.78

Africa	:	Madagascar
Asia	:	Philippines
Europe	:	Italy
Latin America and the Caribbean	:	Paraguay
Near East	:	Egypt
North America	:	Canada
Southwest Pacific	:	Australia

Admission of Principality of Andorra
1.	Number of ballots deposited	137
2.	Defective ballots	0
3.	Abstentions	1
4.	Number of votes cast	136
5.	Majority required	91
6.	Votes for	136
7.	Votes against	0
Admission of the Republic of Montenegro
1.	Number of ballots deposited	137
2.	Defective ballots	0
3.	Abstentions	2
4.	Number of votes cast	135
5.	Majority required	90
6.	Votes for	134
7.	Votes against	1
Admission of the Faroe Islands
1.	Number of ballots deposited	137
2.	Defective ballots	0
3.	Abstentions	2
4.	Number of votes cast	135
5.	Majority required	90
6.	Votes for	134
7.	Votes against	1

REGION (SEATS)		MEMBERS
Africa (5)		1. Kenya 2. Morocco 3. Niger 4. Republic of Congo 5. Senegal
Asia (0)
Europe (3)		1. Belgium 2. Russian Federation 3. Turkey
Latin America and the Caribbean (5)		1. Bolivia 2. Brazil 3. Cuba 4. Mexico 5. Trinidad and Tobago
Near East (2)		1.Kuwait 2. Sudan
North America (2)		1. Canada 2. United States of America
South West Pacific (0)

INTRODUCTION

TWENTY-FIFTH MCDOUGALL MEMORIAL LECTURE [1]

PRESENTATION OF B.R. SEN AWARDS [2]

PRESENTATION OF THE A.H. BOERMA AWARD [3]

PRESENTATION OF THE EDOUARD SAOUMA AWARD [4]

MARGARITA LIZÁRRAGA MEDAL[5]

IN MEMORIAM [6]

INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE-CHAIRPERSONS [7]

APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL COMMITTEE AND CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE [8]

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION [9]

Establishment of Commissions and Appointment of their Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Drafting Committees

Resolutions Committee of the Conference

Right of Reply

Verbatim Records

Verification of Credentials

High-Level Special Events

Voting Rights

ADMISSION OF OBSERVERS [10]

Applicants for Membership

Admission of Observers from Non-Member Nations

Liberation Movements

Intergovernmental Organizations and International Non-Governmental Organizations

REVIEW OF THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE [11]

SUBSTANTIVE AND POLICY MATTERS IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAO GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF ACTION [12]

INTERIM REPORT ON THE TRIENNIAL COMPREHENSIVE POLICY REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM [13]

UNITED NATIONS/FAO WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME [14]

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE POTATO 2008 [15]

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF NATURAL FIBRES 2009 [16]

PROGRAMME AND BUDGETARY MATTERS

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION REPORT 2004-2005 [17]

PROGRAMME EVALUATION REPORT [18]

PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET 2008-09 [19]

INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF FAO [22]

LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

ADOPTION OF RUSSIAN AS A LANGUAGE OF THE ORGANIZATION (AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE XXII OF THE CONSTITUTION AND RULE XLVII OF THE GENERAL RULES OF THE ORGANIZATION) [24]

OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL MATTERS

Streamlining of Membership Rules of the Open Committees of the FAO Council (Amendments to the General Rules of the Organization) [25]

Amendments to the General Regulations of WFP [27]

AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2004-2005 [28]

SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS 2008-2009 [29]

PAYMENT BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENSES ARISING OUT OF ITS MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION [30]

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS [31]

Statement by Representative of FAO Staff Bodies

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION [32]

ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS [33]

APPOINTMENTS

Appointment of the Independent Chairperson of the Council [34]

Appointment of Representatives of the FAO Conference to the Staff Pension Committee [35]