Agreed conclusions 1996/1. Methods of work for dealing with the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women* 1. The Commission on the Status of Women adopted the conclusions regarding its methods of work set out below. 2. The Commission considers that its effectiveness and efficiency could be improved through innovative methods of work, including inviting experts to participate in the substantive debate on selected issues as part of the regular work of the Commission. 3. These innovative methods must be understood as a process that includes not only the sessions of the Commission but also the organization of work. Broadbased participation in the preparatory process for each session of the Commission must be encouraged. The practice of periodically convening meetings of the Bureau of the Commission open to the participation of all interested States should be encouraged and consolidated. 4. The documentation prepared for each item of debate should be available in all official languages in sufficient time to ensure active and wide participation in discussions. 5. The practice of inviting experts is expected to deal effectively with the critical areas of concern established in the Beijing Platform for Action and to contribute to the effective follow-up of the Conference. The experts should be chosen from the fields of study addressed under the critical areas of concern, taking into account equitable geographical distribution and the involvement of non-governmental organizations. 6. Panels of experts should be formed. They should include experts appointed by the Secretary-General, experts working within the United Nations system, and experts from Governments and from civil society. 7. The selection of experts, the composition of the panels, and the allocation of time to dialogues should be decided inter-sessionally by the Bureau of the Commission, taking into consideration the proposals of the United Nations Secretariat. The Secretariat should prepare a list of candidates for the panels based on suggestions from States and civil society. The Bureau should convene meetings open to the participation of all interested States to ensure a broad base of participation. 8. Meetings should be allotted for dialogue with organizations within the United Nations system and civil society and among governmental delegations. Sufficient time should be devoted to intergovernmental dialogue. 9. The results of dialogues should normally be reflected in concise, action-oriented agreed conclusions to be transmitted to the Economic and Social Council by a Commission decision. They should also contain policy recommendations and identify coordination issues to be dealt with by the Council. 10. The Commission, in order to strengthen its capacity to act as a catalyst in support of mainstreaming a gender perspective in the work of the United Nations * For the discussion, see chap. II, paras. 70-78. -10-