51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council
and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51)

On Saturday, ITTC-51 concluded its final day of discussions. Throughout the day, delegates discussed how to proceed with the election of the next ITTO Executive Director (ED). After a second special vote was not able to determine a clear winner between the two candidates, delegates agreed to postpone the decision on the ED selection to the next session of the ITTC in Yokohama, Japan, in November 2016. Delegates agreed on a decision to reopen the ED application process, and to consider a decision on the principle of rotating the ED between a Producer and Consumer ITTO member country.

In the morning, delegates met in separate Producer and Consumer caucus meetings, followed by concurrent sessions of the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management, and the Committee on Finance and Administration. Delegates then met in a Council session to adopt reports of the committees and decisions on: projects, pre-projects and activities; the informal advisory group; matters related to admission of observers during Council sessions; and the terms of reference for an investigative panel into loss of funds due to failed investments.

The Council also elected Jennifer Conje (US) as Chair of ITTC-52, and Tabi Agyarko (Ghana) as Vice-Chair. Following concluding remarks, ITTC-51 Chair Freezailah closed the meeting at 7:04 pm.