This time last year, I reported to the committee that the journey we undertook from
Manila to Nairobi was sometimes rough and at other times smooth, sometimes pleasant
and at other times frustrating, but that with the aid of clear and detailed maps (Secretariat
Plan of Work) and a good compass (Secretariat Mandate), we were able to successfully
chart a course that saw us reaching the first leg of a long journey in one piece and ready
to continue the adventure.
We started the second leg of the journey soon after and benefited from calm seas and

The year 2006 is an important landmark in the short history of GFAR. Firstly, it will mark the
tenth anniversary of the founding of GFAR. Secondly in 2006, GFAR will hold its third
general conference when stakeholders get together to reflect on the past and plan for the
future. Finally, it represents the final year of our triennial business plan cycle (2004-2006). It
is therefore a year when we should reflect on our past efforts and achievements, and share the
outcome with others. Efforts were made by the Secretariat to devote some attention to a

According to the GFAR charter, one of the main task and responsibility of the Secretariat is to assist GFAR stakeholders in the formulation of the GFAR BP, and its implementation through an annual Programme of Work (PoW), which according to the first external review panel of GFAR should clearly indicate what the secretariat will do to facilitate the implementation of the BP by the stakeholders. The role of the Secretariat is therefore mainly one of facilitation, except perhaps in two areas where it is expected to play a lead role and take responsibility for implementation.