High Level Study Group (HLSG) on the Establishment of the ACD Secretariat

The HLSG, which was held on 14 July 2016 in Bangkok, discussed proposals from the ACD Senior Officials regarding the establishment of the ACD Permanent Secretariat. The meeting was chaired Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs and ACD Senior Official, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. The 4th HLSG was attended by 27 ACD Member States and the ACD Provisional Secretariat. The discussions and recommendations were summerised by the chair that “for the effective operation of the ACD process, the HLSG recommends that the ACD Secretariat be located in the State of Kuwait with the continuing generous arrangements provided by the Government of Kuwait, with appropriate legal status. Further refinements to the Secretariat’s operation, such as funding model, responsibilities, staffing, among others, are to be discussed at a future date.” The gist of this recommendation will also be incorporated into the Bangkok Declaration of the 2nd ACD Summit for Member States’ consideration.