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7 Key Ways to Prepare for the Extraordinary General Assembly 2026

On 1 June 2026, our members from across the world will gather online for the Extraordinary General Assembly (GA) of IFOAM – Organics International. This event represents an important moment for our organisation, as members will discuss and vote on key governance proposals and motions that will help shape the future direction of the network.

Over the past months, members have actively participated in consultations, discussions, and feedback processes surrounding the proposals presented by the World Board. The Extraordinary GA is the next step in this collective process, providing a space for members to exchange perspectives, seek clarification, and make decisions together as a global membership body.

To help you prepare and participate effectively, we have outlined the essential steps to complete before the Extraordinary GA begins.

 

1. Check in for the digital event on Zoom

The Extraordinary GA will take place digitally via Zoom on 1 June 2026.

Make sure you are registered for the event and have access to the meeting link in advance.

Register here

We recommend joining a few minutes early on the day of the event to avoid technical difficulties.

 

2. Reserve time on your calendar

Following a reassessment by the World Board, the duration of the event has been adjusted to allow sufficient time for discussion and member participation.

The Extraordinary GA will now take place from:

13:00 to 17:30 CEST

Please block this full time slot in your calendar to ensure you can fully participate in the discussions and decision-making process.

 

3. Read the General Assembly Report 2026

We strongly encourage you to carefully review the General Assembly Report 2026, including:

  • The motions presented by the World Board

  • Proposed amendments

  • Background information and rationale

  • Key governance decisions under discussion

The more familiar you are with the report, the more likely it is for you to engage in productive discussions and make informed decisions during the event.

Access the report here

 

4. Review the agenda for Day 1 and Day 2

The Extraordinary GA process will take place across two separate sessions and voting windows. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the structure and timing of both days to better prepare for discussions and voting.

The agenda included in the General Assembly Report outlines:

  • The sequence of motions and discussions

  • Presentation and discussion sessions

  • Voting windows and timelines

  • Key procedural moments during the GA

Understanding the flow of the event in advance will help you participate more confidently and effectively.

13:00–13:15 | Opening of the Assembly

  • Welcome and introduction
  • Confirmation of quorum
  • Adoption of the agenda

13:15–13:25 | Context and Process Overview

  • Recap of the governance reform process
  • World Board general assessment

13:25–14:00 | Presentation of Governance Model

Topic 1 | World Board Composition

  • Motions 1a & 1b

Topic 2 | Council of Regional Bodies and Self-Organised Structures

  • Motion 2

Topic 3 | Regional Representation and Group Structures

  • Motions 3 & 4

14:00–15:30 | Discussion Rounds

  • Motions 1a and 1b
  • Motion 2
  • Motions 3 and 4

15:30–15:40 | Break

15:40–16:00 | Presentation of Independent Motions

  • Motions 5 to 8

16:00–17:00 | Discussion Rounds

  • Motions 5 to 8

17:00–17:10 | Voting Procedure

  • Explanation of the voting process

17:10–17:30 | Closing

  • Closing remarks
  • Opening of online voting

Voting window: 1 June – 2 June, 23:59 CEST

13:00–13:10 | Opening of the Assembly

  • Welcome and introduction
  • Recap of Day 1

13:10–15:00 | Presentation of Results

  • Results of governance reform motions
  • Member interventions and questions
  • Clarifications from the World Board

15:00–15:10 — Voting Procedure

  • Explanation of the voting process

15:10–15:30 — Closing

  • Closing remarks
  • Opening of online voting

Voting window: 5 June – 7 June, 23:59 CEST

5. Prepare your questions for the World Board

You are encouraged to prepare any questions regarding the motions, governance proposals, or implementation considerations.

The event will include opportunities for discussion and clarification with the World Board, and preparing questions in advance can help ensure a more constructive and focused exchange.

 

6. Watch for your ElectionsBuddy voting email

Voting members will soon receive an email from ElectionsBuddy containing the information and access needed to cast votes during the Extraordinary GA process.

Please keep an eye on your inbox — and your spam/junk folder — to ensure you do not miss it.

This step applies only to members with voting rights.

 

7. Test your access and technology in advance

To ensure a smooth experience on the day of the event, we recommend:

  • Checking your Zoom access in advance

  • Using a stable internet connection

  • Ensuring your microphone and speakers work properly

  • Logging into the Member Area beforehand if relevant to your participation

Taking a few minutes to prepare technically can help avoid disruptions during the Assembly.

 

The Extraordinary General Assembly is an important opportunity for our members to collectively shape the future of IFOAM – Organics International. We are encouraged by the strong engagement shown throughout this process and hope members from across the world will join the discussions and contribute to these important decisions.

We look forward to welcoming you online on 1 June.

Visit the Extraordinary GA 2026 website for more information and updates.