Propose a change to the GEO Rules of Procedure

Propose a change to the GEO Rules of Procedure

GEO Members and Participating Organisations can help shape how GEO is governed.

The GEO Rules of Procedure set out how GEO operates and how its governance bodies and processes work. GEO Members and Participating Organisations are welcome to propose changes to the Rules of Procedure at any time during the year.

Who can propose a change?

Proposals may be made by:

For a GEO Member or Participating Organisation, a proposal can be made by its GEO Principal, Principal Alternate or Focal Point. A Co-Chair may submit a proposal on behalf of the relevant GEO Governing Body.

What should a proposal include?

The proposal should identify your proposed change(s) to the Rules of Procedure and explain the rationale for it/them.

How do I submit a proposal?

Proposals may be submitted by the Focal Point or Co-Chair through GEO's online system for Rules of Procedure amendments. Consult the "How to" page here.

You may submit a proposal at any time. Proposals are reviewed periodically and at least once each year.

What happens after I submit a proposal?

The GEO Secretariat first checks that the proposal meets the submission requirements. The GEO Rules of Procedure Task Force then reviews eligible proposals and determines whether each proposed amendment is a minor change or a major change.

Minor changes are editorial or other non-substantive changes that improve accuracy without materially changing GEO's governance, processes or operations. Major changes are substantive changes that may affect GEO's governance, processes or operations.

The subsequent process depends on that classification:

Minor changes are considered by the GEO Executive Committee, which may approve them. Approved minor changes are incorporated into the Rules of Procedure and reported to the GEO Plenary.

Major changes undergo a more detailed assessment by the Rules of Procedure Task Force. The Executive Committee then considers whether to advance them to the GEO Plenary. The Plenary makes the final decision on whether to approve a major change.

The Task Force may contact the submitter during its review, including to refine proposed wording or consider combining related proposals.

Want to know more?

The complete amendment process is set out in the GEO Rules of Procedure.

For questions about submitting a proposal, please contact the GEO Secretariat at secretariat@geosec.org.