Decision 40 COM 13B

Follow-Up to the Recommendations of the External Auditor’s “Report on the governance of UNESCO and dependant funds, programmes and entities” (Document 38C/23)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/13B and recalling Resolution 38C/101 of the General Conference,
2. 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,
3. 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,
4. 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,
5. 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;
6. Recommends the General Assembly to inscribe a new Agenda item discussing matters on Governance at its next session;
7. 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;
8. Further requests that a progress report on this matter be presented at its 41st session in 2017.