The FSC General Assembly proves that participation, balanced representation and equal power to vote are a powerful strategy to bring people together, find solutions, and promote responsible stewardship of the forests.
The event gathers delegates from National Initiatives, Certification Bodies, certificate holders, trade unionists, NGOs, members, observers and others to address the crucial link between the welfare of people and forests. It occurs every three years in a different location.
The 7th General Assembly 2014 took place in Seville, Spain, from 7 to 14 September 2014. In 2017, the 8th General Assembly will take place in Vancouver, Canada from 8-13 October.
The FSC General Assembly is made up of the three membership chambers: Environmental, Social and Economic, which are further split into sub-chambers of global North and South. The purpose of the chamber structure is to maintain the balance of voting power between different interests without having to limit the number of members. The FSC Board of Directors is accountable to the FSC members. It is made up of nine individuals who are elected from each of the chambers for a three-year term.
The FSC members have the right to attend and vote at the FSC General Assembly as well as to formulate and submit motions. It is in this dynamic environment where valuable concerns and constructive criticism are brought into a forum; different stakeholders work together in an equitable way to make important strategic decisions that define the future of the organization.