GENERAL COUNCIL PORTAL
Global Organization for Cooperation and Development
Published in: January 30, 2025 | Section: 1/2025
Bodies: General Presidency | General Secretariat of the Presidency
General Presidency Decree 532/2025
Decision:
Common Regulations of the Council for Foreign Relations of the Global Organization for Cooperation
and Development (GOUV)
The GENERAL PRESIDENCY, considering the need to adapt its functioning and regulatory process
based on Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5 of January 1, 2021.
ISSUES THE FOLLOWING AS: OFFICIAL DECREE No. PRE202501030001011532 Decree 532/2025
And mandates the publication of the following articles:
Art. 1st The Internal Regulations of the Council for Foreign Relations shall come into force from the date the text’s content is legalized.
Art. 2nd The reformulation of the Regulations may occur either through the Council for Foreign Relations or by Official Decree of the General Presidency and shall be valid 30 days after the date of submission to the Council for Foreign Relations. It is noted that these Regulations do not possess validity.
Art. 3rd The Council for Foreign Relations is prohibited from publishing council decisions or commission work that violates Art. 1 of Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5 the Art. 2 of the Unified Decree, which states:
“1st. GOUV is established upon its basic principles, which are:
I. Citizenship;
II. Life;
III. Human dignity;
IV. Pluralism and diversity;
V. Autonomy and freedom.”
“GOUV shall act in strict observance of the following fundamental principles:
I. Citizenship: fostering participation and representation within a global digital society.
II. Life: respecting and promoting the intrinsic value of all human beings.
III. Human Dignity: upholding the universal rights and dignity of every person.
IV. Pluralism and Diversity: embracing cultural, social, and ideological diversity.
V. Autonomy and Freedom: supporting individual freedoms and collective self-determination.”
Art. 4th The Council for Foreign Relations is composed of GOUV Commissions in foreign countries and their respective subdivisions, whatever they may be.
§ 1st GOUV diplomatic missions are official representations established to promote and safeguard the organization’s interests in different countries and international institutions. They are structured into various categories, each with specific objectives, encompassing governmental, economic, social, and security relations.
§ 2nd These missions act as channels for:
I. Establishing direct relationships with governments, private companies, and local citizens.
II. Representing specific GOUV interests, such as economic, cultural, environmental, or security issues.
III. Operating in regional or global contexts, including economic blocs, multilateral institutions, or conflict situations.
Art. 5th The current levels of subdivision and internal institutions of the Council for Foreign Relations are declared as follows:
§ 1st Permanent Commissions: Permanent diplomatic missions with credentials formally presented to the government or institutions of the host country. Their primary function is to comprehensively represent GOUV by establishing direct relations with the local government, private companies, and citizens.
§ 2nd High Commissions: Temporary diplomatic missions established with or without the formal presentation of credentials to the host government. Unlike Permanent Commissions, they mainly focus on interacting with private companies and citizens, maintaining direct relations with the government only when necessary.
§ 3rd Special Delegations: Composed of diplomats designated to represent GOUV interests in international institutions, economic blocs, and other global entities. They may be permanent but are activated only when necessary, operating on a case-by-case basis.
§ 4th Special Secretariats: Secretariats created to address specific economic interests, often linked to Permanent Commissions but with operational autonomy. They are usually led by the same High Representative responsible for the associated Commission, ensuring coordinated efforts between the two entities.
§ 5th Special Departments: Departments tasked with representing GOUV in specific areas of interest within a country, such as military, economic, or political issues. They are directly managed by the General Presidency, which appoints a local diplomat to address related demands and agendas.
§ 6th Special Security Commissions: Special missions focused on security issues, generally managed by the GOUV Intelligence Agency (GIA) or a specialized High Representative in conflict environments. These missions are of limited duration, activated only in war scenarios, and exclusively focused on GOUV’s interests related to the specific conflict.
Art. 6th The Commissions may define their subdivisions to meet their needs and visions regarding
their executed works or presented projects.
Art. 7th The Council for Foreign Relations comprises one (1) seat per participating country.
Art. 8th The following have rights to seats: Permanent Commissions, High Commissions, Special Delegations, Special Secretariats (when having a High Representative different from the associated Commission), and the General Presidency of GOUV.
Art. 9th High Representatives are appointed by the General Presidency or by the Council for Foreign Relations itself.
§ 1st If the Council for Foreign Relations proposes opening a post and/or appointing a High Representative in a country where one already exists, the decision must have 70% or more of the votes.
Art. 10th The General Presidency may remove any High Representative through Official Decree. Notification will occur on a business day and take effect on the same date.
Art. 11th The Council for Foreign Relations plays a fundamental role in supervising and guiding the organization’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations. As part of its governance structure, the Council plays a crucial role in defining GOUV’s approach to other countries, international organizations, and global actors. Its main functions include:
§ 1st Formulating Foreign Policies: The Council is responsible for developing strategies and policies that will guide GOUV’s interactions with the rest of the world. This includes decisions on alliances, bilateral and multilateral agreements, and international partnerships that promote GOUV’s global development objectives.
§ 2nd Coordinating Digital Diplomacy: Given that GOUV is an organization with an innovative digital structure, the Council also takes responsibility for coordinating digital diplomacy activities. This involves using digital platforms to strengthen communication and engagement with other countries and organizations.
§ 3rd Managing International Crises: The Council plays a strategic role in international crises, helping GOUV respond quickly to global events that may affect security, the economy, and global well-being. This leadership role is essential for maintaining global stability and peace.
§ 4th Promoting Global Cooperation: In addition to managing diplomatic relations, the Council also works to promote international cooperation in key areas such as security, sustainability, human rights, and economic development. Its decisions help position GOUV as a leader in promoting a fairer and more equitable global order.
§ 5th Institutional Representation: The Council for Foreign Relations also acts as a representative body, establishing a network of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. This network enables GOUV to engage directly with governments and other international organizations effectively.
§ 6th Monitoring and Evaluation: The Council monitors global political, social, and economic changes, assessing how these changes may impact GOUV’s relations with other international actors. Based on its assessments, the Council may suggest adjustments to GOUV’s foreign policies.
Art. 12th GOUV currently has plans for the construction of the Borborema Palace, which will serve as the headquarters for the Council for Foreign Relations. It is determined that Council sessions will take place virtually, but may occur in another building or at a different location within the Founding Family’s territory. For sessions to be held in other locations, the General Presidency must submit a proposal or the Council for Foreign Relations must present a petition with 70% approvals.
§ 1st Attendance at these means is not mandatory, making participation in special sessions optional for the High Representative and their team or their responsibility.
§ 2nd The right to refuse participation in Council sessions is prohibited if the session occurs virtually or if other spaces provide the possibility of virtual connection to the session.
§ 3rd In case of absence from sessions, the High Representative must notify the Council Presidency through an official letter or official email. The Council Presidency will notify the General Presidency after each occurrence.
§ 4th In case of absence from sessions three consecutive times, the Council Presidency will request a suspension of the member to the General Presidency. A note will be sent by the Presidency with evidence and burdens presented to the Public Relations House for factchecking.
§ 5th If the Public Relations House submits proof of absence and lack of justification, the General Presidency will be presented with a request for immediate removal and severance.
§ 6th The General Presidency will not disregard the decision of the Public Relations House, except in cases of discrepancies found in the request files.
Art. 13th At the end of each month, each High Representative shall submit to the General Presidency a document summarizing all their activities related to economic, political, or security matters.
§ 1st Failure to deliver the activity summary to the General Presidency for 3 (three) months or more will be considered grounds for removal and permanent disassociation from the Council.
Art. 14th High Representatives may request their removal from the council at any time, provided they respect ongoing projects.
§ 1st If a Commission has ongoing projects, it must complete the work already executed or initiated in order to request its full removal from the Council for Foreign Relations.
§ 2nd If the project is only in the negotiation phase, the representative may withdraw and request their removal from the Council for Foreign Relations to the General Presidency. The removal takes effect 5 business days after the removal request.
Art. 15th Every High Representative must complete the Etiquette and Protocol course prepared by the General Presidency. The course is mandatory and must be completed within a maximum of 6 months from the member’s entry into the Council for Foreign Relations.
§ 1st The High Representative or diplomat in question may request course equivalence by presenting supporting documentation. Exempt from the course are: Official Diplomats of member countries and/or Graduates, Masters, or Doctors in Political Science.
§ 2nd In case of non-compliance with the stipulated time for completion and conclusion of the course, the High Representative will be suspended from the Council until the certificate of completion is presented to the General Presidency and the Presidency of the Council for Foreign Relations.
Art. 16th The High Representative must take the oath to the Council for International Relations and the General Presidency upon completion of the course.
§ 1st The presence of at least 2 (two) people is mandatory during the oath. Subsequently, the binding agreement is signed and sent to the General Presidency. The General Presidency has 5 (five) business days to issue the Declaration of Representability through Official Decree and send it to the High Representative and the Presidency of the Council for Foreign Relations.
§ 2nd Oath: “I swear in my professional and social conduct to devote all my energy, knowledge, and capacity to the common good, collective interest, transparent and proper management of the resources of the Commission I represent, of GOUV, and the strengthening of public policies and institutions in my country, in pursuit of fair, sovereign, and sustainable development, never deviating from the values of GOUV and the laws of my country of origin.”
Art. 17th Participation in GOUV is voluntary and not linked to a labour contract but rather as a provision of social services. High Representatives do not receive salaries.
§ 1st However, economic projects presented, regardless of their nature, will provide compensation for the work performed at a rate of 25% of the amounts collected by GOUV.
§ 2nd Depending on the executed or negotiated contract, the Commissions are free to negotiate higher values with the General Presidency, provided they present their implication in the project in addition to the negotiation.
Art. 18th High Representatives will be designated as natural persons but will need a formal legal entity to perform their functions in the respective country.
§ 1st If the High Representative does not have a legal entity in their name, they must present to the General Presidency the association with the company to which they are linked and which can represent GOUV in their country of origin or residence.
§ 2nd If the High Representative is not a citizen of the country in which they reside, they must present an official residence permit valid for a minimum period of 1 (one) year.
§ 3rd As stated in Official Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5 the Unified Decree, Art. 16, “The position of GOUV High Representative in a country does not necessarily require citizenship of the respective State of Law but obliges fluency in the official language of the country, or at least one if the respective country has more than one.” the Unified Decree, Art. 11, Par. 4, “The CFR is composed of High Representatives appointed by the General Presidency, who represent GOUV in their respective countries or regions”.
Art. 19th As mentioned in Official Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5, Art. 11 § IV, “anyone who performs voluntary service for GOUV for the duration of such service may automatically become a GOUV e-citizen and request effective GOUV citizenship” the Unified Decree, Art. 23, Par. II, § 2 “Granted to individuals performing voluntary service to GOUV, valid for the duration of their service period” will receive the Temporary e-Citizenship.
Art. 20th Compliance with the unified decree norms and respect for superiors within the internal authority hierarchy is mandatory.
§ 1st During official events, it is important to maintain a level of courtesy and reverence towards superiors in GOUV’s internal hierarchy.
§ 2nd Regarding forms of address for High Representatives, the same titles used for the General President and the President of the Public Relations House are utilized: Mr. Representative; Mr. High Representative; Your Excellency; Y.E.; Most Honourable Mr./Ms. NAME, High Representative of GOUV in COUNTRY.
Art. 21st In the first session held by the Council for Foreign Relations, the vice-president shall be elected.
Art. 22nd The Vice-President has the role of replacing the President of the Council during sessions.
§ 1st The Vice-President is not granted the authority to approve or create Council projects but only to mediate the sessions.
§ 2nd If the President of the Council for Foreign Relations is, for any reason, forced to resign from their position, the next High Representative of the country elected for the presidential term assumes the position.
§ 3rd The Vice-President of the Council cannot belong to the same Commission as the President of the Council.
Art. 23rd During the Council sessions, it is the responsibility of the President of the Council to:
§ 1st Sign correspondence and other documents issued by the Council.
§ 2nd Convene and preside over all Council sessions, maintaining order and necessary solemnity.
§ 3rd Have the minutes of the previous meeting read and submit them for discussion and voting.
§ 4th Inform the Council of all received matters and dispatch them.
§ 5th Inform the Council of the meeting agenda, planned and organized according to the Council’s Rules and Regulations.
§ 6th Designate Project Authors and assign them the subject matter to review, or take it upon themselves in their absence.
§ 7th Grant the floor to Council members during the session to those registered and those requesting it for reasons of order or force majeure.
§ 8th Interrupt a speaker who is off-topic and withdraw their speaking rights in case of disobedience.
§ 9th Submit issues for Council deliberation to a vote and announce the voting results.
§ 10th Sign reports together with the Project Author.
§ 11th Represent the Council in its internal relations, GOUV Institutions, or external relations.
§ 12th Send members, at the beginning of each month, a summary of the Council’s work and, at the end of each session, as support for the synopsis of the Council’s activities, a report on the progress and review of pending projects.
§ 13th Suspend the session once, for a maximum period of one hour, when deemed necessary.
§ 14th Suspend the session up to three times, for a maximum period of 15 minutes, when deemed necessary or when requested and approved by the Council Presidency.
§ 15th Exercise institutional independence to represent GOUV at international events without prior authorization from the General Presidency but must submit a memorandum on the discussed topics and prove the safeguarding of GOUV’s interests at any event attended representing the Organization or any of its institutions.
Art. 24th In case of the closure of a Commission during the term of the Council Presidency, the Commission occupying the Vice-Presidency assumes the position.
Art. 25th Council sessions shall last, on average, a maximum of 2 hours, considering the need for debate on each proposal and project.
Art. 26th The monthly extraordinary session will be exclusively dedicated to discussing and voting on the matters and projects presented by the 25th of the previous month.
§ 1. Projects must be submitted to the Presidency of the Council in complete form.
§ 2. Projects must include:
I. Introduction: Project summary and bibliographic foundation;
II. Project Objective: Present the general objective and specific objectives;
III. Project Description: Project foundation and technical explanation;
IV. Methodology: Expected project application;
V. Accounting: Technical and accounting specifications. Additionally, presentation of the project’s economic proposal, as well as its impact.
Art. 27th Sessions will aim to debate only the topics planned and previously presented.
Art. 28th Each speaker will have a maximum of 15 minutes for each speech.
§ 1. In case of an order request, the speaker must present the point of order within 1 minute.
§ 2. It is not permitted to speak without requesting the floor from the President of the Council or the session chair.
§ 3. In case of non-compliance with the rules, the presidency will call council members to order three times. If the third call occurs, the member will be invited to leave the plenary or the virtual meeting.
Art. 28th The presence of foreigners (persons without GOUV e-citizenship or e-residency) will be tolerated in sessions provided they are registered and invited by one of the High Representatives or nominated by a Commission by the 25th of the previous month.
§ 1st It is also necessary to present the relevance of the invitation to the session. Without substantiated reason, approval of attendance at the session will not be possible.
§ 2nd Members of the commissions may participate in sessions; however, they may not use the podium or speaking space, except in cases where a request is made by council members.
Art. 29th Any amendment to this decree may be executed by the presidency through an official decree of ratification, amendments, or additions to the original text. Likewise, by the Council for Foreign Relations through voting, following the previous articles.
Art. 30th This document is published in English and Portuguese.
Relevant Provisions Cited:
Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5, Article 1, modified to ‘Unified Decree’ (With modified text, Art. 2);
Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5, Article 11, modified to ‘Unified Decree’ (With modified text, Art. 23);
Decree No. 0001/012023/G-A5, Article 16, modified to ‘Unified Decree’ (With modified text, Art. 11);
Institutions Cited:
General Presidency of GOUV
Committees of the Council for Foreign Relations
Pro Tempore Presidency of the Council for Foreign Relations
Presidency of the House of Public Relations
Recife, January 30, 2025.
Marcos Henrique Bãdãrãu Júnior
General President of GOUV