The Secretariat is a board of mediators whose responsibility within the conference is to moderate discussion and debate sessions, while at the same time ensuring that participants are taking part in rational and stimulating discourse.

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1. To manage the Committee’s meetings so that they operate smoothly

2. To take responsibility for seeing that the Committee produces a result that is acceptable to all, or a majority of delegates.

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One of the important responsibilities of the Chairman is to be interested in the substantive outcome of the conference. The Chairman, however, must carry out this responsibility in a manner that maintains his/her impartiality.

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As long as the conference is proceeding in accordance with this (flexible and evolving) plan, the Chairman’s responsibility is to facilitate its course. If, however, the conference shows signs of stalling or losing its way, the Chairman’s responsibility for the outcome requires him/her to take a more active role that may include encouraging delegations to act in a manner helpful to the conference resuming its progress. As a final resort, this role may require the Chairman to act more directly, drawing the conference’s attention to options or making suggestions, based on his/her knowledge and understanding of the wishes of delegations, and the applicable technical, legal and other considerations.

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