Role of host facilitation team
A host facilitation team, led by a lead facilitator, is responsible for steering the negotiations towards an agreement within the boundaries of the parties' preferences. The role involves the provision of negotiation assistance, guidance and supervision; acting as an entry point for negotiating parties and chairing plenary sessions during the summit.
Role of international secretariat
A key responsibility of an international secretariat is to support the host facilitation team in steering the negotiations towards agreement. Secretariats do so by providing technical and practical assistance, including the drafting of text, and advice regarding the conduct of negotiations.
Role of individual facilitators
Individual facilitators are appointed to assist the host facilitation team by managing negotiations taking place in subsidiary bodies, working groups or on specific topics and feeding back on progress made, impasses and insights into parties’ preferences. The role may involve chairing negotiation sessions, promoting consensus between the parties and facilitating dialogue both within and between different negotiation streams.
Role of political leaders
Political leaders, typically ministers or heads of state, may be tasked with facilitating outstanding issues during the later stages of negotiations. In addition they have the potential to overcome substantive blockages, since the ultimate decision-making power they hold means they are better-placed to offer flexibility or underlying information on positions than officials.