Strong organisational leadership and governance Outcome 4: The APF is a well-functioning and governed network with an engaged membership We strive to maintain an active and engaged membership by prioritising accountability, efficiency, and participation, ensuring the APF’s sustainability and continued support for NHRIs. Our approach focuses on four key areas: strong governance to guide decision-making, efficient management systems to support staff, accurate measurement and communication of our impact, and securing sustainable funding sources. Governance As an independent, non-profit entity, the APF is governed by a diverse board of directors — the Forum Council — representing our regional membership. Established under the APF Constitution, the Forum Council includes one voting councillor from each full member. The General Assembly sets strategy and makes key decisions, with A-status members holding voting and participatory rights, while B-status members have participatory rights. An elected Governance Committee is responsible for considering and making recommendations to the Forum Council and General Assembly on a range of issues. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a formal meeting held once a year. It is a legal requirement for the APF as a non-profit organisation. The AGM serves as an opportunity for APF members to review the operation of the APF over the past year and enables A-status members to make decisions on policy, hold elections, ratify audit and financial requirements, consider the APF’s annual report, directors’ report, performance report and consider applications for membership. We also hold a biennial conference every two years. The 28th APF Annual Meeting and Biennial Conference, hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) brought together APF member institutions, as well as representatives from governments, civil society and UN agencies in the region. The Biennial Conference marked the 75th anniversary of the UDHR and celebrated 30 years of NHRIs and the Paris Principles, with a sub-theme on the environment and climate change. The event was an opportunity to share good practices to support communities to respond to human rights impacted by environmental harm and a changing climate. In closing, the APF membership adopted the Delhi Declaration, pledging their commitment to addressing a range of human rights challenges and fostering a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world. APF Annual Report 2023-24 33