The Chair, supported by the Vice-Chair, leads the Steering Group, gives it strategic direction and is in charge of the overall organization of its proceedings. The Chair and the Vice-Chair, each exercise their function for one and a half years. The Vice-Chair is scheduled to succeed the Chair after expiry of the incumbent Chair’s term, and makes a proposal to the Steering Group on which Steering Group member could take its place as the next Vice-Chair.
Upon the establishment of the Platform, Germany and Bangladesh held the Steering Group Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship, respectively, for 1.5 years (June 2016-December 2017), then Bangladesh and France (January 2018-30 June 2019), then France and Fiji (1 July 2019-31 December 2020), then Fiji and the EU (January 2021 – 30 June 2022, including France as exceptional Vice-Chair from 1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021), then the EU and Kenya (1 July 2022 – 31 December 2023).
The Steering Group contains between 15 and 20 States and the European Union, represented through their Permanent Missions in Geneva. Its composition reflects a wide and balanced geographic representation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are standing invitees to the Steering Group and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an ex officio member.
The Steering Group directs and steers the work of the Platform and related efforts at the global level on the basis of an approved Strategy and Workplan. The function of the Steering Group includes the following: (1) Provide political support and commitment to raise awareness on disaster displacement and to disseminate and implement the Protection Agenda, (2) Participate actively in the promotion and development of PDD policy priorities, and policy interventions, (3) Provide leadership and guidance in the development of the Strategy of the Platform, (4) Support implementation of the PDD Workplan at the national and regional level, as applicable and appropriate.
The Chair organizes regular meetings of the Steering Group in Geneva at technical and ambassadorial levels, and shares minutes with members. There is the possibility to meet in working groups on specific aspects. Meetings are called by the Chair and supported administratively by the Secretariat.
