Overview

• The ISU provides briefings and background information to prospective meeting hosts and presidents.
• The ISU works with hosts and presidents to develop a conceptual approach to the Convention’s formal meetings and subsequently prepares and implements communications strategies.
• The ISU serves as the main substantive support to the President, assisting in the preparation of meeting documents.
• In addition, the ISU organises a parallel programme for victim assistance experts, coordinates a programme of side events, leads media-relations efforts, advises delegations on ways and means to participate in meetings, and collects and retains all documentation.

Intersessional Work Programme:

• The ISU assists Co-Chairs of the Convention’s Standing Committee in elaborating annual strategic plans and supports them in implementing these plans, including by preparing programmes for the annual meetings of the Standing Committees and in assisting Co-Chairs in communications and bilateral meetings with States Parties.
• The ISU distributes meeting programmes, background documents and other information to all delegations.
• In addition, as is the case with the Convention’s formal meetings, the ISU organises a parallel programme for victim assistance experts, coordinates a programme of side events, leads media-relations efforts, advises delegations on ways and means to participate in meetings, and collects and retains all documentation.

Office Holders:

• The ISU provides support to ensure that representatives of States Parties – big or small, high developed or developing – can fulfil responsibilities related to presiding over the Convention or serving as a Co-Chair of a Standing Committee.