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Regional and national consultations 2008
Background
The GCAP Future Structure Task Group came in 2007 to the general agreement that 1) it is useful to distinguish between the “legal” hosting and “physical” hosting; and 2) after considering different options, particularly the risks, liabilities and potential conflict the legal hosting could possibly entail, it would be unavoidable and adequate to create an independent legal organization for the global secretariat, whereas the “physical” hosting (or housing) arrangements can be constructed separately. We also came to believe that, with proper structure in place, this independent legal registration could be handled with a minimum negative impact on GCAP’s strength in its diversity, spontaneity, political strength and leadership, dynamism and flexibility.
And it resolved the following: That GCAP form GCAP Foundation, independent legal not-for-profit organization registered that takes care of administrative and financial aspects of running GCAP at the global level, including staff hiring and finance. The Governing Council elects the GCAP Foundation Board of the GCAP Foundation to oversee the functioning of the Global Secretariat.
GCAP Global Foundation registration
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.
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.
See the following documents:
- Note to national coalitions on GCAP Global Foundation registration
- Registration of GCAP Global Foundation - Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary and recommendation on GCAP Global Foundation registration
Physical or operational hosting of the GCAP Global Secretariat
Given that the best option of legal registration is in the North, the Transition Committee has recommended that the IFT, in line with the Montevideo decision, arrange for the ‘physical or operational’ hosting of the GCAP Global Secretariat to be in the Global South in order to maintain GCAP’s global political identity, strength, autonomy and dynamism.
Based on the views and opinions from GCAP constituents, members and partners IFT also recommends the following:
1. GCAP Global Secretariat location: The majority of the GCAP Global Secretariat and its resources should be located in the Global South. The GCAP Global Secretariat will be accountable to and governed by the Board of the GCAP Global Foundation registered in the Netherlands, but may receive a range of support from a host organisation where the GCAP Global Secretariat would be physically based.
2. Expression of interest: Based on the reviewed hosting principles, GCAP will issue a new call for expressions of interest to the global South, taking into account the existing expression of interest received from GCAP India.
3. Periodical Hosting model for a set time: Adopting the principles and rationale of a periodical hosting model and time frame, we request a 3-year hosting offer from the interested coalitions/ southern partners, in order to ensure a balance between continuity and flexibility.
4. Timing of Shifting of Global Secretariat: A major change such as the transfer of the GCAP Global Secretariat to another country will create certain challenges. So not only the choice of hosting organisation but also the timing and process of transference needs further consideration, to ensure clarity for all and a minimum of negative impact on campaign mobilisation and communication.
See the Background note on hosting of the GCAP Global Secretariat (the note contains the Expression of Interest form for Host Organisation for GCAP 2008/2010).
