Our Structure

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WDEF Structure

WDEF operates through a tiered governance model built on checks and balances, professional expertise, and transparency. The Federation’s structure combines member-led decision-making, standing leadership bodies, expert committees, an executive Secretariat, and independent oversight.

Governance Bodies

WDEF’s governance bodies provide strategic direction, formal decision-making, and organizational oversight. Together, they ensure the Federation operates with clear authority, disciplined processes, and accountable leadership.

General Assembly

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

The General Assembly is the Federation’s highest governing body. It represents the voting membership and holds the ultimate authority over the Federation’s foundational rules and major institutional decisions.

How it operates

Convened as regular meetings on a biennial basis, with extraordinary meetings convened when required under the Charter.
Meeting agendas and materials are distributed in advance, and meeting records are retained in accordance with internal archiving requirements.
Quorum and voting thresholds apply to ensure legitimacy for both routine decisions and major matters.

Core authorities

Review and revise the Federation’s Charter and key regulations
Elect and remove ordinary Council members
Review and approve the Council’s annual work report and the financial budget and final accounts report
Determine major matters concerning merger, division, or dissolution
Review and approve medium- and long-term strategic development plans
Consider other major matters submitted by the Council

The Board of Directors serves as the Federation’s standing decision-making body. It provides ongoing governance, implements resolutions of the General Assembly, and approves key operational and strategic matters between General Assembly meetings.

Composition

The Council consists of a defined number of members as set out in the Charter, incorporating both founding and elected representation.
Lifetime director seats are limited to the founding stage, and no new lifetime director seats are added after that stage.

How it operates

Regular meetings are convened twice per year, with extraordinary meetings convened as needed.
Meeting notices and materials are circulated in advance.
Quorum and voting rules apply, including enhanced voting thresholds for major matters.

Core authorities

Implement General Assembly resolutions; formulate annual work plans and budgets
Elect and remove the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Secretary-General
Approve member admissions and withdrawals
Establish, adjust, or revoke Professional Committees
Review and approve initiation of major projects and related fund utilization plans
Review and approve the Secretariat’s annual operational report
Submit annual work reports and financial budget/final accounts to the General Assembly
Handle other matters authorized by the General Assembly

Information reporting

Changes to director information are handled through the Secretariat and reported in line with registration and disclosure requirements.
Annual reporting includes complete director information for member inquiry and public oversight.

The Executive Committee is the Federation’s executive leadership body. It leads routine operations under the Council’s authority, coordinates institutional work, and ensures resolutions are implemented efficiently and consistently.

Role

Acts as the executive arm of the Council for day-to-day leadership and cross-institution coordination.
Drives execution across Professional Committees, the Secretariat, and regional platforms.

Core responsibilities

Implement the Council’s resolutions and coordinate daily operations
Coordinate the work of specialized committees, the Secretariat, and regional platforms
Approve routine financial expenditures and monitor annual budget execution
Prepare meeting materials for Council-related preparatory meetings
Handle routine operational matters authorized by the Council
Submit regular operational progress reports and major issue inquiries to the Council

Operations & Assurance

WDEF’s operational and assurance bodies translate strategy into delivery, provide expert support across core domains, and strengthen transparency and compliance. This structure helps ensure initiatives are credible, practical, and consistently managed.

Secretariat

Committees

Audit Committee

The Secretariat is the Federation’s day-to-day operating body. It provides execution, coordination, and administrative support across all institutional activities.

Role

Supports governance operations (meetings, documentation, coordination).
Implements approved work plans and manages operational delivery.

Organizational structure

Composed of functional departments with flexibility to adjust based on operational needs.

Core responsibilities

Organize and coordinate meetings of the General Assembly, Council, and Executive Committee
Implement annual work plans and oversee execution and management of projects
Lead member development, service, and management; maintain the membership network
Manage revenues and expenditures; prepare financial reports; implement budget management requirements
Carry out international cooperation and exchanges; maintain external relations networks
Manage information disclosure and communications; operate official communication platforms
Handle daily administrative affairs and coordinate Professional Committee operations
Complete other tasks assigned by the Executive Committee

Professional Committees provide WDEF’s specialist capacity. They support policy work, standards coordination, research, and initiative design and implementation across priority areas.

How committees are established

Committees are established and adjusted based on practical needs and are coordinated through the Executive Committee.
Committees are composed of experts in relevant domains and support the Federation’s initiatives with professional input and implementation support.

Standing Professional Committees

Digital Governance & Policy Committee: supports coordination on key governance issues and consensus-building for cross-border digital governance.
Technical Standards & Innovation Committee: advances core technology coordination and standards work to strengthen interoperability.
Digital Inclusion & Capacity Building Committee: supports capability development, infrastructure support for less developed areas, and narrowing the digital divide.
Data Security & Ethics Committee: develops mechanisms for secure data use, promotes AI ethics guidance, and mitigates misuse risks.
Digital Trade Promotion Committee: supports alignment of digital trade rules, cross-border service mechanisms, and trade barrier reduction.
Green Digital Economy Committee: promotes integration of digital technologies with low-carbon development and supports green transition.
Digital Human Rights & Consumer Protection Commission: addresses protections for users and consumers in digital environments and related guidance.
Committee on Inclusive Development in the Digital Age: supports equitable access, including inclusive standards and access to digital public services.

The Independent Audit Committee is the Federation’s independent oversight body. It strengthens transparency by conducting audits and compliance reviews separate from day-to-day management.

Role

Conducts financial audits and compliance-related assurance work independently from other governance bodies.

Composition

Comprised of qualified professional auditors, appointed for fixed terms with the possibility of reappointment.

Core authorities

Conduct annual audits on financial transactions and project fund utilization; submit independent audit reports
Conduct special audits on performance of lifetime board members and execution of major projects
Supervise implementation of financial management systems and propose corrective measures
Submit audit reports to the General Assembly and provide feedback on audit findings to the Council
Assist the Federation in responding to regulatory audits