Session Types
Each of the meeting types at the FSC General Assembly plays a crucial role in facilitating comprehensive dialogue, ensuring balanced representation, and promoting effective governance within the FSC framework.
Members Assembly
The Members' Assembly is the most crucial platform at the GA, where members debate and vote on motions that shape FSC’s policies and strategic direction. This is where FSC’s chamber-balanced democratic system comes to life, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of the environmental, social, and economic chambers.
Chamber Meetings
FSC is structured into three chambers—Environmental, Social, and Economic—to maintain a balance of voting power among different interests. Each chamber holds its own meetings to discuss key issues, develop strategies, and form unified positions before presenting them to the broader assembly. These meetings ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in FSC’s decision-making processes.
Cross-chamber Meetings
Cross-chamber meetings bring together members from all three chambers in a plenary setting to exchange viewpoints, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration. These discussions allow members to align on shared priorities before formal voting in the Members' Assembly.
Plenary Sessions
Plenary sessions are high-level, all-inclusive meetings where FSC members, stakeholders, and observers come together to discuss key issues affecting the organization and the future of responsible forestry. These sessions feature industry experts, guest speakers, and thought leaders, offering valuable insights into global sustainability trends. Interpretation in FSC’s official languages, such as English and Spanish, is typically provided to ensure inclusive participation.
Side Meetings
Side meetings, also known as side events, are sessions proposed and organized by members or stakeholders during the General Assembly. They provide a platform to explore specific topics in greater depth, share insights, and foster discussions that may not be covered in the main agenda. These meetings enrich the GA experience by encouraging diverse perspectives and engagement. Due to limited availability, side meetings are allocated based on the relevance and impact of the proposed session content.