Proposed GCAP Global Foundation Registration - Process and Key question

The discussion on governance and structure in GCAP has moved forward considerably since the Global Assembly in Montevideo (2007). While the discussion has taken place in the International Facilitation Team (IFT) and in consultation with national coalitions, given that national coalitions are collectively the highest decision-making body in GCAP, it is at this level of GCAP that final endorsements are sought to register the GCAP Global Foundation.

In Montevideo, the Future Structure Task Group was mandated to look into matters of registration and possible gradual formalization of structures. The Montevideo straw poll was not in favor of over-formalization, and guided the work of the structure group alongside other options discussed in the meeting. The Future Structure Task Group then deeply analyzed all the options in relation to the objectives and needs. Many rounds of consultations have since taken place with coalition, regions, constituency groups, partners and the IFT. Based on the majority opinion and a minimalist consensus opinion within IFT the proposal was agreed. The formalization of GCAP structures will be gradual in nature and minimalist in scope. This recommendation was made because both the group and IFT felt that it was essential to have some form of legal registration for accountability and fundraising.

However, the recommendation is limited to the registration of the administrative aspects of the global GCAP team – the global secretariat and its board. It was the view of the group that such a registration would not impose any undue bureaucracy on GCAP structures, nor would it threaten the flexibility and creativity of the alliance as a whole movement.

A 7-member Transition Committee was formed to look into the implementation of the future structure proposal and options of registration and make clear recommendations on the most favorable options, country and legal framework. The committee recommended to the IFT in March the registration of the GCAP Global Foundation in the Netherlands. A background note on GCAP Global Foundation registration is attached. If you have further questions on why this recommendation was made, your IFT representative, regional secretariat or any member of the IFT support team are available to respond.

We request you (whether national coalitions, regional groups and constituency groups) formally express your acceptance or rejection of the recommendation to formally register the GCAP Global Foundation in the Netherlands. As there are clearly time sensitivities involved, please respond to Irfan Mufti, copying your regional secretariat before the 17th April.

As the FAQ document explains, legal registration in the Netherlands in no way implies physical location of the secretariat in the Netherlands. On the contrary, the GCAP global secretariat must and will be based in the global South. Information will be circulated on hosting criteria and processes, including a call for expressions of interest from GCAP coalitions and other supporting organizations in the global South.