Recognizing the need to fully represent its broad and diverse membership, ICSU relies heavily on individuals from around the globe who volunteer their time to serve on various Policy, Advisory and Ad hoc Committees. In some cases, ICSU Committees have a long history with a membership that changes over time. In other instances, a small group of individuals is brought together for a short period to carry out a very specific mandate. All Committees provide an important service to the Executive Board (EB) and to the General Assembly (GA).

• Procedures and Criteria for appointment of ICSU Committees

Policy Committees

Policy Committees are established by the GA to assist the EB in fulfilling the governance objectives of ICSU. ICSU currently has four Policy Committees. Members and Chairs, if not otherwise designated, are appointed by the EB.

• Committee for Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR)
• Committee on Finance (CF)
• Policy Committee on Developing Countries (PCDC)
• Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS)

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Ad hoc committees

Set up by either the General Assembly or the Executive Board, ad hoc committees have a very specific remit and are expected to complete their tasks within a pre-determined timeframe. At present, ICSU has the following ad hoc committees addressing diverse issues:

• Virtual Working Group on Publication Ethics
• Planning Group on Health and Wellbeing in the Urban Environment
• Reviews of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)
• Review of the Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP)
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) Follow-up Group
• International Science Panel on Renewable Energy
• Ad hoc Strategic Committee on Information and Data (SCID)
• Planning Group on Natural and Human-Induced Environmental Hazards and Disasters
• Working Group to Review the Dues Structure