Organisational Governance

Governance Review Committee (GRC) Middle East

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The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) operates in a complex, fast-changing global environment. To address today’s challenges in animal health, we need governance that is transparent, efficient and inclusive.

In 2024, the World Assembly of Delegates called for the creation of a Governance Review Committee (GRC).  Its mission: to take a fresh look at how WOAH is governed and propose reforms that meet both current and future needs.

In this context, the GRC reviews all aspects of the Organisation’s governance – from technical and financial to legal, regional and institutional structures. This work is a key step in ensuring WOAH remains effective, adaptable and ready for the future.

Work programme

The GRC is made up of 16 Members from five regions, as well as regional advisers including other Members, selected by the GRC representatives.

Key Milestones

May 2026: 93rd General Session
The World Assembly of Delegates, on the proposal of the GRC, approved seven recommendations on changes to WOAH’s governance (Assembly Resolution No. 4 (2026))

May 2027: 94th General Session
The GRC aims to develop a final set of recommendations for improving WOAH’s governance, to be submitted for approval by the Assembly at the 94th General Session in 2027.

May 2028: 95th General Session
The GRC aims to develop and submit a package of legal reforms implementing the governance reform proposals for the Assembly’s approval at the 95th General Session in 2028.

Working Documents

gs93-2026-wd-adm-05-report-of-the-governance-review-committee-en
gs93-2026-wd-adm-05-report-of-the-governance-review-committee-en

PDF - 911.41KB

GS93_2026_RES-04_Admin_GRC_Recommendations_En
GS93_2026_RES-04_Admin_GRC_Recommendations_En

PDF - 533.51KB

gs92-2025-res-05-adm-grc-work-programme-en-2 (1)
gs92-2025-res-05-adm-grc-work-programme-en-2 (1)

PDF - 118.44KB

91gs-2024-res-12-adm-basic-texts-en
91gs-2024-res-12-adm-basic-texts-en

PDF - 81.58KB

92gs-adm-06-en-report-of-the-woah-governance-review-committee
92gs-adm-06-en-report-of-the-woah-governance-review-committee

PDF - 579.81KB

terms-of-reference-of-the-woah-governance-review-committee
terms-of-reference-of-the-woah-governance-review-committee

PDF - 238.12KB

How to engage:

 

As a Delegate

Participate actively in the consultative process on the work of the GRC by engaging through Regional Commissions, with the support of the WOAH’s Regional and Sub-Regional Representations, and by initiating consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders at Member level

Visit the WOAH Delegates’ Portal to stay informed on the GRC’s progress and access to key documents.

 

 

As a stakeholder:

Subscribe to the WOAH Newsletter to receive quarterly updates on the GRC and get in contact with your WOAH Regional or Sub-Regional Representative.

For more information, please contact: GRC Secretariat
([email protected])

Subscribe: Our Newsletter

Regional Consultation

All Members are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback through their regional GRC members to contribute to an effective and collaborative reform process:

  • Cyprus, Dr Christodoulos Pipis
  • Lebanon, Dr Elias Ibrahim

 

The GRC’s work is carried out in close collaboration with the CouncilSpecialist Commissions and all Members, ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach. This collective approach enables the identification of areas of improvements and fosters meaningful dialogue among stakeholders. The GRC provides a unique opportunity for Members to actively engage in shaping the future of WOAH’s governance.