The mandate given to us involves putting together all the previous agreements reached in regards to the re-organization of the IC, making it more effective, and dealing with new applicants. Although the reference mainly given was to review the Commission’s proposals and their adoption by the IC, it is our view this cannot be done without making reference to all documents, including those that preceded the formation of the IC Commissions. Thus, the synthesis draws agreements reached on the expansion of both IC and process, re-organization of IC and treatment of new applicants to IC.

THE MANDATE OF THE EXPANSION COMMISSION:
To support the development of regional, national and local forums, as well as geographic expansion focusing on world regions where civil society is still not familiar enough with the WSF to take the initiative of organizing forums or participating in the forums in their region. Additionally, this will help to ensure that this expansion is reflected in the composition of IC. (Miami 2003)

THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE WSF*

Nature:
IC is set up as a permanent body to give continuity to the WSF; to consolidate the process of taking the WSF to the world level; and to play a leading role in defining policy guidelines and the WSF’s strategic directions.

It is not an authority in a power structure, and does not have mechanisms for disputing representation, nor for voting. Although the IC must have a balanced make-up in terms of regional and sectorial diversity, it will not be a bureaucratic structure with any claim to representing world civil society. The representativity of the IC will result from its ability to take the WSF to the world level, and to give it roots, organicity and continuity.

Miami: Regarding the relationship between the IC and WSF Secretariat, the first principle is that the IC will take political decisions about the WSF process during its meetings.

Responsibilities:
The IC and its members’ main responsibilities are:
- assuming political and operational responsibilities such as formulating WSF strategies,
- maintaining ongoing contact with international movements, campaigns, initiatives, struggles and other events,
- expanding and consolidating the WSF, making it a familiar presence in their countries and regions, as well as promoting and supporting the formation of WSF Committees in their countries,
- fostering widespread participation and debate on matters and proposals identified by the WSF,
- ensuring reciprocal political, thematic and operational actions among WSFs,
- together with WSF Organizing Committees, providing a structure for topics, methodologies, formats, identification and invitations to speakers and exhibitors, and
- promoting and supporting WSF meetings, identifying potential sites and encouraging participation,
- raising funds for the successful hosting of WSFs.

*The first meeting of the International Council (IC) of the WSF, June 9 to 11, 2001 [http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br]