The Core Group

The Core Group is in charge of securing and coordinating the Network activities as well as the operational steering of the Network.

The Core Group is composed of three members organised according to the troika principle (the former, the current and the future organiser of the annual forum) and is headed by the member fulfilling the role of the Presidency. The President of the network, since 13 May 2009 and until the 2010 annual meeting, is the Spanish Development Agency for International Cooperation AECID.

Core Group meetings also generally associate representatives of the Thematic Group Leaders.

Core Group members are in regular contact per e-mail and telephone to discuss and solve day-to-day issues. They physically meet on an as-needed basis, so far 4 to 5 times a year. Typical issues dealt with are related to :

• monitoring the activities of the Network and particularly of the thematic groups, giving guidance as and when requested or required

• supporting the Presidency in organising the Annual Meeting and in organising a common event during the European Development Days,

• ensuring a proper communication with Network members and other partners, particularly through the website,

• monitoring the activities of the Secretariat,

• preparing and guiding future evolutions of the Network.