The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/13B and recalling Resolution 38C/101 of the General Conference,
- Also recalling the work undertaken with a view to assess and improve the working methods of the Governing Bodies of the World Heritage Convention, and notably the related Resolutions of the General Assembly 18 GA 8 and 19 GA 9 as well as Decisions 36 COM 9A, 37 COM 11 and 38 COM 9C on this matter,
- Further recalling the Audit of the Working Methods of Cultural Conventions and the Evaluation of UNESCO’s Standard-Setting work of the Culture Sector undertaken by the Internal Oversight Service (IOS) and its corresponding Decisions 38 COM 5F.1 and 38 COM 5F.2 on these matters,
- Recalling furthermore that the reflection on issues related to working methods by the ad-hoc Working Group established at its 38th session (Doha, 2014) is still ongoing,
- Takes note of the efforts and steps already undertaken, especially through its ad-hoc Working Group which it considers as a good practice that enhances strategic decision-making and participation of States Parties, with a view to improve and streamline the working methods of the Governing Bodies of the 1972 Convention in line with General Conference Resolution 38 C/101;
- Recommends the General Assembly to inscribe a new Agenda item discussing matters on Governance at its next session;
- Decides to transmit, as requested, Document WHC/16/40.COM/13B as well as relevant outcomes of its ad-hoc Working Group and this decision to the Chairperson of the open-ended Working Group on the Governance Procedures and Working Methods of the Governing Bodies;
- Further requests that a progress report on this matter be presented at its 41st session in 2017.