Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

BWF News: A Landmark AGM Ensures Gender Equality and Governance Improvements

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recently held its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, marking a significant milestone for the sport. During this historic event, the BWF Membership approved a proposal that guarantees global board representation and a minimum representation of each gender on the BWF Council.

To align with the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation of achieving 30% gender representation in decision-making positions within International Federations by 2020, the approved changes to the constitution now ensure that at least 30% of each gender will be represented on the BWF Council, as well as among the representatives from each continental region.

In addition to promoting gender equality, the BWF also implemented amendments to its constitution, introducing vetting processes and minimum eligibility criteria for elected officials and members of the hearing panel. These efforts aim to enhance the governance practices within the federation.

The decision to conduct the AGM virtually was a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BWF Council motioned this change, and it was subsequently ratified by the majority of the Membership through voting.

Expressing his gratitude for the cooperation of the Membership and highlighting the historical significance of the event, BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer stated, “Today we have made history by staging the very first virtual AGM, and I thank all Member Associations and voting delegates for being part of this journey.”

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President Høyer also commended the Membership for passing the constitutional changes, emphasizing the importance of gender equality on the BWF Council. He further highlighted the federation’s commitment to improving governance practices through the implementation of a vetting process for officials.

The virtual AGM not only fulfilled the annual governance requirements but also facilitated important decisions that will continue to enhance the federation’s governance practices over time.

BWF’s focus on good governance has been recognized by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), which ranked them third overall among 31 Summer International Federations in its latest review.

The BWF Membership also passed several other proposals during the AGM, including the inclusion of the Chair of the Para Badminton Athletes’ Commission on the Council and limiting the position of BWF President to four terms. Amendments to the BWF Constitution were also approved to align with the 2020 Judicial Procedures, aiming to enhance the judicial structure.

For detailed outcomes of the BWF Virtual AGM, please refer to the minutes available on the official BWF website at Carnegiecentre.com.

FAQs

Q: What were the main decisions made during the BWF Virtual AGM?

A: The BWF Virtual AGM resulted in the approval of various important proposals. One of the significant decisions was to ensure geographical and gender representation on the BWF Council. The approved changes to the constitution now guarantee at least 30% representation of each gender on the Council and among the representatives from each continental region. Additionally, amendments were made to introduce vetting processes and minimum eligibility criteria for elected officials and hearing panel members.

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Q: Why was the BWF Virtual AGM conducted?

A: The decision to hold the AGM virtually was made in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BWF Council initiated the motion to conduct the AGM virtually, which was subsequently ratified by the majority of the BWF Membership through voting.

Q: What is the significance of the BWF Virtual AGM?

A: The BWF Virtual AGM marks a historic event in the federation’s history, as it was the first-ever virtual AGM. This innovative approach allowed the BWF to fulfill its governance requirements within the specified timeline. The virtual AGM also facilitated important decisions to promote gender equality and improve governance practices.

Summary

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) held its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, where significant decisions were made to ensure gender equality and improve governance practices. The Membership approved proposals guaranteeing global board representation and a minimum representation of each gender on the BWF Council. These changes align with the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation to achieve 30% gender representation in decision-making positions within International Federations by 2020. Amendments to the constitution also introduced vetting processes and minimum eligibility criteria for elected officials and hearing panel members. The decision to conduct the AGM virtually was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the federation’s first-ever virtual AGM. The outcomes of the AGM, along with other proposals, can be found on the official Carnegiecentre website.