Mandate

The Governing Council of IFAD is the Fund’s principal governing body. All powers of the Fund are vested in the Governing Council which makes decisions on such matters as approval of new membership; appointment of the President of IFAD; matters pertaining to the permanent seat of the Fund; approval of the administrative budget and audited financial statements; and adoption of broad policies [Arabic] [English] [French] [Spanish], criteria and regulations [Arabic] [English] [French] [Spanish].

Membership

The Governing Council comprises all IFAD Member States and meets annually. It is attended by official Member State representatives, i.e. Governors, Alternate Governors and any other designated advisers. Observers are also invited to attend sessions, as foreseen by Rule 43 of the Rules of Procedure of the Governing Council [Arabic] [English] [French] [Spanish].

Sessions

The Governing Council meets annually within the first quarter of the year. Governing Council sessions are chaired by a Member of the Governing Council Bureau which is composed of, for a two-year term, a Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons representing each of the three Lists of the Member States of the Fund.