Mediterranean Network of the World’s Poultry Science Association

DRAFT* OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN POULTRY NETWORK OF THE WORLD’S POULTRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Article 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Mediterranean Poultry Network of the World’s Poultry Science Association, hereinafter referred to as the Network.

Article 2. Objectives

The Network shall:

• promote and support the activities of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) within the Mediterranean region, with special emphasis on the Eastern and Southern countries;
• facilitate the expansion of WPSA membership in the Mediterranean region and strengthen collaboration among professionals, researchers, and institutions in the poultry sector;
• promote the dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge in the field of poultry science through encouragement for research, education, and extension;
• coordinate and provide technical guidance for the organization of the biennial Mediterranean Poultry Summits of the WPSA.

Article 3. Membership

Membership of the Network shall be open exclusively to Branches formally recognized by the WPSA and located within the Mediterranean region.

Admission of a new member shall require a formal written application to the Executive Committee and approval by the Management Committee by simple majority vote.

Each Branch shall appoint one official representative to the Network.

Member Branches shall have the right to participate in meetings and vote through their appointed representatives.

Additional rights and obligations may be defined in the By-Laws.

Branches participating at the time of adoption of this Constitution shall be considered founding members.

Article 4. Governance Structure

The Network shall be governed by:

• the Management Committee (MC) as the supreme decision-making body;
• the Executive Committee (EC) as the executive and administrative body.

Article 5. The Management Committee (MC)

The Management Committee (MC) shall be the supreme decision-making body of the Network and shall exercise overall authority for its policy, strategy, and governance.

Composition

The MC shall consist of one representative appointed by each member branch.

Responsibilities

The MC shall:

• adopt policies, strategic plans, and general guidelines for the Network;
• elect and remove members of the EC;
• approve the annual budget, financial statements, and audit reports, where applicable;
• establish By-Laws and internal regulations consistent with this Constitution;
• create subcommittees or working groups as necessary;
• decide on the admission or termination of members;
• approve amendments to this Constitution and decide on matters of dissolution.

Meetings and procedures

The MC shall meet at least once during each Mediterranean Poultry Summit and may additionally meet in person or by electronic means when necessary.

Proposals for inclusion in the agenda shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary/Treasurer at least three weeks prior to the meeting. The Secretary/Treasurer shall compile the draft agenda, which shall be approved by the EC and circulated to members at least two weeks prior to the meeting. The MC may amend the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.

Quorum and voting

A quorum shall consist of one-third of the members or five representatives, whichever is greater. Decisions shall be adopted by simple majority unless otherwise specified. Minutes shall be recorded and circulated. In the event of a tie, the President shall cast the deciding vote.

Article 6. Executive Committee (EC)

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the Network under the authority of the Management Committee and shall implement the decisions and policies adopted by it.

Composition

• the President;
• the Vice-President;
• the Secretary/Treasurer;
• one representative of the immediate past Mediterranean Poultry Summit;
• one representative of the next Mediterranean Poultry Summit.

Election and term of office

EC members shall be elected by the MC, preferably during the Mediterranean Poultry Summit, for a term of two years. They shall remain in office until their successors are appointed.

The President and Vice-President may serve for one term only and shall not be immediately re-elected to the same office.

The Secretary/Treasurer may be re-elected without limitation in order to ensure administrative continuity.

If a Mediterranean Poultry Summit cannot be held at the scheduled time, the MC may, by formal decision, extend the mandate of the EC on an exceptional and temporary basis until elections can be held at the next Summit.

Responsibilities

The EC shall:

• implement resolutions and policies adopted by the MC;
• manage the day-to-day operations and administrative affairs of the Network;
• prepare strategic proposals, work plans, and budgets for submission to the MC;
• supervise the financial administration of the Network and ensure proper record-keeping;
• maintain communication among members and represent the Network in external relations;
• convene meetings of the MC and prepare their agendas and documentation;
• take interim decisions on urgent matters between meetings of the MC, subject to subsequent ratification by the latter;
• appoint or contract administrative or technical support personnel, including a technical secretary;
• establish advisory boards or committees with consultative role only.

Meetings and accountability

The EC shall meet at least once per year or whenever convened by the President or at the request of a majority of its members. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of its members. The EC shall report regularly to the MC and present an annual activity report and, where funds are administered, a financial report.

Article 7. Officers and duties

President

The President shall coordinate the activities of the Network, preside over meetings of the MC and the EC, and represent the Network in its external relations. The President shall also serve ex officio as President of the next Mediterranean Poultry Summit, unless otherwise decided by the MC or delegated for practical reasons.

Vice-President

The Vice-President shall act on behalf of the President in the President’s absence, incapacity, or delegation of authority, and shall perform any other duties assigned by the President.

Secretary/Treasurer

The Secretary/Treasurer shall be responsible for the administrative and financial management of the Network, including records, correspondence, membership register, finances, financial statements, and information circulation.

Article 8. Finance

The Network may operate with or without centralized financial resources and shall not be required to maintain its own bank account or funds unless deemed necessary by the MC.

Nature of financial resources

Activities and events may be organized and financed directly by member branches or host institutions without requiring funds to be held or managed by the Network.

Resources

Resources may include membership contributions, grants, sponsorships, event revenues, donations, or other lawful sources.

Budget and financial management

When funds are administered by the Network, the EC shall prepare a budget and financial report for approval by the MC.

Authorization of expenditures

Payments and financial commitments shall require the authorization of two officers designated by the EC.

Audit and reporting

Accounts shall be reviewed or audited biennially, as appropriate.

Article 9. Amendments

This Constitution may be amended only through a formal and transparent procedure ensuring prior notice and consideration by the MC.

Amendments shall require a two-thirds majority of votes cast at a duly convened meeting.

Article 10. Dissolution

Dissolution may only be decided following prior notice and a formal vote of the MC.

Dissolution shall require a three-quarters majority of votes cast.

Remaining assets shall be transferred to the World’s Poultry Science Association.

Article 11. Relationship with WPSA

The Network operates as a regional Network of the World’s Poultry Science Association and shall act in full accordance with its Constitution, By-Laws, and policies.

* This document is a draft. The final version remains subject to approval by the members.