STATUTES OF THE EURASIA FORUM
Revised Version – 7 July 2026
replacing the previous version of 7 November 2019
ARTICLE 1
NAME, LEGAL STATUS AND REGISTERED OFFICE
1.1 The EurAsia Forum (hereinafter referred to as the “Forum” or the “Association”) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental international membership organization established under the laws of the Swiss Confederation.
1.2 The Forum is organized as an association pursuant to Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code (Zivilgesetzbuch, ZGB) and shall exclusively pursue public-benefit, educational, scientific, international cooperation, and other non-profit purposes within the meaning of Swiss law.
1.3 The registered office (seat) of the Forum shall be located in Switzerland. The exact address shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.
1.4 The Forum shall possess legal personality upon its valid constitution in accordance with Swiss law.
1.5 The Forum shall conduct all of its activities in accordance with the principles of legality, transparency, accountability, independence, sustainability, and good governance.
1.6 The Forum shall remain politically neutral, non-partisan, and non-religious. It shall neither support nor oppose any political party, religious organization, or ideological movement.
1.7 The Forum may establish representative offices, regional chapters, liaison offices, project offices, or other operational units within Switzerland or abroad, provided that any such establishment remains fully consistent with the Forum’s non-profit purposes and applicable Swiss law.
ARTICLE 2
MISSION, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 Mission
The Forum is an international non-profit platform dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development, responsible business practices, international cooperation, policy dialogue, and academic research. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Forum actively contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports the long-term advancement of sustainable global development.
2.2 Purpose
The principal purpose of the Forum is to foster international cooperation by facilitating constructive dialogue among governments, international organizations, academic institutions, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders engaged in sustainable economic and business development.
The Forum serves as an independent platform for the exchange of knowledge, professional expertise, innovative ideas, and practical solutions that contribute to sustainable prosperity and responsible economic growth.
2.3 Vision
The Forum aspires to become a globally respected platform that bridges public policy, academic research, business leadership, and international cooperation.
By connecting institutional leaders, corporate executives, policymakers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the Forum seeks to strengthen international partnerships and facilitate sustainable economic transformation across regions.
2.4 Public-Benefit Objectives
To fulfill its mission, the Forum shall pursue the following public-benefit objectives:
- Supporting the implementation and advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Promoting research on sustainable economic development, responsible business models, and long-term corporate resilience;
- Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) and multi-sector collaboration that generate sustainable social and economic value;
- Advancing dialogue and research concerning climate transition, environmental sustainability, green finance, technological innovation, and digital transformation;
- Promoting responsible investment, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, and sustainable corporate governance;
- Supporting education, executive development, professional training, and international capacity-building initiatives;
- Encouraging academic exchange, interdisciplinary research, and international knowledge sharing;
- Strengthening institutional cooperation among governments, international organizations, universities, research institutes, and the private sector;
- Facilitating cross-border business cooperation, investment dialogue, and sustainable international trade.
2.5 Strategic Positioning
The Forum operates at the intersection of international policy, academic research, and practical business implementation.
It transforms authoritative research, policy recommendations, and institutional expertise into practical strategies that support sustainable corporate development, responsible investment, and international economic cooperation.
2.6 Long-Term Commitment
The Forum is committed to generating measurable and lasting public value through long-term research, strategic dialogue, institutional cooperation, and professional development.
All initiatives undertaken by the Forum shall be guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, and international collaboration.
The Forum seeks to cultivate a global community of leaders and institutions dedicated to creating scalable, enduring, and positive systemic impact for present and future generations.
2.7 Non-Profit Character
All activities of the Forum shall be carried out exclusively in pursuit of its non-profit purposes.
Any revenues generated through conferences, publications, research services, membership fees, sponsorships, grants, donations, or other lawful activities shall be applied solely toward the achievement of the Forum’s statutory objectives and shall not be distributed to its members or governing bodies.
ARTICLE 3
METHODS OF OPERATION AND ACTIVITIES
3.1 Activities
In order to achieve its mission and statutory objectives, the Forum may undertake, organize, promote, finance, or support the following non-profit activities within Switzerland and internationally.
3.2 Research and Publications
The Forum shall initiate, conduct, commission, publish, and disseminate interdisciplinary research, policy analyses, white papers, strategic reports, and other academic or professional publications relating to sustainable economic development, international business cooperation, responsible investment, environmental sustainability, corporate governance, and other matters consistent with its mission.
3.3 International Conferences and Dialogue
The Forum may initiate and organize international summits, forums, conferences, roundtable discussions, executive dialogues, seminars, workshops, and academic symposia designed to facilitate high-level exchanges among governments, international organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society.
3.4 Public-Private Partnerships
The Forum shall encourage and facilitate Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) by promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation among governmental authorities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, financial institutions, and private enterprises.
3.5 Professional Networking and International Cooperation
The Forum may initiate and establish professional networking platforms, business matchmaking initiatives, executive exchange programs, institutional cooperation mechanisms, and international collaboration projects intended to strengthen cross-border partnerships and sustainable economic cooperation.
3.6 Education and Capacity Building
The Forum may design and implement educational programs, executive education, masterclasses, leadership development initiatives, professional certification programs, scholarships, fellowships, internships, and capacity-building projects for individuals and institutions.
3.7 Research Centers and Specialized Committees
The Forum may establish permanent or temporary research centers, working groups, expert panels, task forces, sector committees, regional chapters, or other specialized bodies to advance its strategic priorities.
3.8 Strategic Partnerships
The Forum may conclude cooperation agreements and strategic partnerships with international organizations, United Nations entities, governmental agencies, universities, think tanks, foundations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and private enterprises whose objectives are compatible with those of the Forum.
3.9 Membership Services
The Forum may establish structured membership programs and provide professional services, research resources, networking opportunities, educational activities, publications, advisory services, and other benefits to its Members consistent with the Forum’s statutory purposes.
3.10 Revenue-Generating Activities
To ensure its long-term financial sustainability, the Forum may provide consulting services, research projects, publications, conferences, training programs, certifications, sponsorship opportunities, and other professional services against reasonable remuneration.
Any such activities shall remain strictly ancillary to the Forum’s non-profit purposes, and all resulting income shall be applied exclusively toward achieving the objectives set forth in these Articles.
3.11 Grants and Donations
The Forum may receive grants, donations, sponsorships, endowments, gifts, legacies, and other lawful financial contributions from public authorities, international organizations, corporations, foundations, institutions, and private individuals, provided that such contributions do not compromise the Forum’s independence or non-profit character.
3.12 International Cooperation Projects
The Forum may participate in, coordinate, or implement international cooperation projects financed by governments, multilateral organizations, development agencies, philanthropic foundations, or other lawful funding bodies.
3.13 Ancillary Activities
The Forum may acquire, lease, manage, license, or dispose of movable or immovable property, intellectual property rights, digital assets, publications, databases, and other resources necessary for fulfilling its statutory objectives.
3.14 General Authority
The Forum may undertake any lawful activity that is directly or indirectly conducive to the realization of its mission, provided that such activity remains consistent with Swiss law and the Forum’s exclusively non-profit purposes.
ARTICLE 4
MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Eligibility
Membership of the Forum shall be open to natural persons and legal entities that support the mission and objectives of the Forum and are committed to promoting sustainable economic development, responsible business practices, international cooperation, academic exchange, or related fields.
Membership shall not be restricted on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, political opinion, or place of residence.
4.2 Categories of Membership
The Forum may establish different categories of membership, as shown in Schedule A.
The rights, obligations, privileges, and membership fees applicable to each category may be determined by the Board of Directors and approved, where required, by the General Assembly.
4.3 Admission
Applications for membership shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Board of Directors.
The Board shall have exclusive authority to approve or reject any application at its sole discretion and shall not be required to provide reasons for its decision.
No applicant shall possess a legal entitlement to membership.
4.4 Rights of Members
Subject to these Articles and any internal regulations adopted by the Forum, Members shall have the right to:
- participate in the activities of the Forum;
- receive information concerning the activities and development of the Forum;
- attend the General Assembly;
- vote and stand for election where voting rights are granted under these Articles or the applicable membership regulations;
- benefit from the professional services and activities offered by the Forum.
4.5 Obligations of Members
Members shall:
- uphold the objectives and reputation of the Forum;
- comply with these Articles and all duly adopted regulations and resolutions;
- pay membership fees when applicable;
- conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values and principles of the Forum.
4.6 Membership Fees
Members shall pay annual membership fees where applicable.
The amount, payment schedule, exemptions, and categories of fees shall be determined by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Board of Directors or in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board.
4.7 Resignation
Any Member may resign from the Forum by submitting written notice to the General Secretariat.
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, resignation shall become effective at the end of the current membership year.
Membership fees already paid shall not be refundable.
4.8 Termination of Membership
Membership shall automatically terminate upon:
- resignation;
- death of an individual Member;
- dissolution or liquidation of a legal entity;
- non-payment of membership fees after appropriate notice;
- expulsion by decision of the Board of Directors.
4.9 Expulsion
The Board of Directors may expel any Member whose conduct is contrary to the objectives, reputation, or interests of the Forum, or who seriously violates these Articles or the Forum’s internal regulations.
The Board’s decision shall be final and shall not require justification unless otherwise required under mandatory provisions of Swiss law.
4.10 Liability of Members
Members shall be liable for the obligations of the Forum solely up to the amount of any membership fees due and payable.
No Member shall bear any additional personal liability for the debts, obligations, or liabilities of the Forum.
4.11 Register of Members
The General Secretariat shall maintain an official Register of Members containing such information as may be required for the administration of the Forum in accordance with applicable Swiss law and data protection regulations.
ARTICLE 5
GOVERNANCE AND STATUTORY ORGANS
5.1 Statutory Organs
The statutory organs of the Forum shall be:
- the General Assembly;
- the Board of Directors;
- the General Secretariat;
- the Independent Auditor, where required by Swiss law or elected by the General Assembly.
The General Assembly
5.2 Status
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of the Forum and shall consist of all Members entitled to participate in accordance with these Articles and the applicable membership regulations.
5.3 Ordinary General Assembly
An Ordinary General Assembly shall be convened at least once during each financial year.
Notice of the meeting shall be given in writing, including electronic communication, at least twenty (20) calendar days before the meeting and shall include the agenda and supporting documentation where appropriate.
5.4 Extraordinary General Assembly
An Extraordinary General Assembly may be convened at any time by:
- the Board of Directors;
- the President;
- at least one-fifth (1/5) of Members entitled to vote, unless Swiss law requires a lower threshold.
5.5 Powers of the General Assembly
The General Assembly shall have the exclusive authority to:
- elect and remove members of the Board of Directors;
- elect the President where applicable;
- elect the Independent Auditor where required;
- approve the annual activity report;
- approve the annual financial statements;
- discharge the Board of Directors from liability for the preceding financial year;
- approve the annual budget where applicable;
- determine or approve membership fee policies;
- amend these Articles of Association;
- decide upon the dissolution or merger of the Forum;
- decide on any other matter reserved to the General Assembly under Swiss law or these Articles.
5.6 Quorum
The General Assembly shall be duly constituted regardless of the number of Members present unless mandatory provisions of Swiss law provide otherwise.
5.7 Voting
Each Member possessing voting rights.
Unless these Articles or Swiss law provide otherwise, resolutions shall be adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast.
In the event of a tie, the Chair of the meeting shall have a casting vote.
5.8 Remote Participation
Meetings of the General Assembly may be held in person, electronically, or in hybrid format, provided that Members are able to participate effectively, exercise their voting rights, and be properly identified.
Electronic voting and written resolutions shall be permitted where authorized by the Board of Directors and consistent with Swiss law.
The Board of Directors
5.9 Composition
The Forum shall be governed by a Board of Directors.
The Board shall collectively possess appropriate expertise in governance, finance, international cooperation, business, research, law, sustainability, or other relevant disciplines.
5.10 Election and Term of Office
Members of the Board shall be elected by the General Assembly for a term of four (4) years.
Board members shall be eligible for unlimited re-election unless otherwise resolved by the General Assembly.
The Board shall remain in office until its successors have been duly elected.
5.11 Powers of the Board
The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the strategic direction, governance, supervision, and overall management of the Forum.
Its powers shall include, but not be limited to:
- implementing the resolutions of the General Assembly;
- defining the Forum’s strategic objectives;
- approving policies, regulations, and internal governance documents;
- appointing or dismissing the General Secretary and senior executives;
- establishing committees, advisory bodies, regional offices, and working groups;
- approving annual work plans and financial management policies;
- safeguarding the Forum’s assets and reputation;
- representing the Forum nationally and internationally;
- exercising all powers not expressly reserved to the General Assembly.
5.12 Meetings of the Board
The Board shall meet whenever required but not fewer than twice each financial year.
Meetings may be conducted physically, electronically, or in hybrid form.
Board resolutions may also be adopted in writing or by electronic means where all participating Directors have been duly informed.
5.13 Quorum and Voting
The quorum for Board meetings shall be a majority of the Directors in office.
Resolutions shall be adopted by a simple majority of those present.
In the event of an equality of votes, the President shall have a casting vote.
5.14 Representation and Signature
The Forum shall be legally represented by the signature of the president or another board member.
The Board may grant additional signing authority for specific operational purposes.
The General Secretariat
5.15 General Secretariat
The General Secretariat shall serve as the executive administrative body of the Forum.
It shall be responsible for implementing the strategic decisions of the Board and managing the Forum’s day-to-day operations.
5.16 General Secretary
The General Secretary shall be appointed by and report directly to the Board of Directors.
The General Secretary shall, among other duties:
- administer the daily affairs of the Forum;
- coordinate research programmes and international projects;
- organize conferences, meetings, and institutional activities;
- supervise staff and consultants;
- maintain the Register of Members;
- prepare annual reports and financial documentation;
- perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the Board.
5.17 Executive Management
The Board may appoint a General Manager, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, or other executive officers whenever necessary to assist the General Secretary in the efficient administration of the Forum.
The responsibilities of such officers shall be determined by the Board.
ARTICLE 6
ADVISORY BOARD (THINK TANK)
6.1 Establishment
The Board of Directors may establish an Advisory Board as a permanent or temporary consultative body of the Forum.
The Advisory Board shall function as the Forum’s strategic Think Tank and shall provide independent professional advice to the Board.
6.2 Composition
The Advisory Board may consist of distinguished individuals drawn from academia, government, international organizations, business, finance, law, science, technology, environmental protection, diplomacy, and other relevant sectors.
Members of the Advisory Board may be appointed from Switzerland or abroad.
6.3 Appointment
Members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed and removed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
The Board shall determine the number of Advisory Board members, their terms of appointment, and any applicable internal procedures.
6.4 Responsibilities
The Advisory Board may provide recommendations concerning:
- strategic development of the Forum;
- international cooperation and institutional partnerships;
- research priorities and academic quality;
- sustainable development policies;
- business innovation and responsible investment;
- environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives;
- programme evaluation and long-term institutional planning;
- any additional matters referred to it by the Board of Directors.
6.5 Nature of Advice
The recommendations and opinions of the Advisory Board shall be advisory only and shall not be legally binding upon the Board of Directors or any other organ of the Forum.
The Board shall retain exclusive decision-making authority.
6.6 Meetings
The Advisory Board shall meet whenever considered appropriate by the Chair of the Advisory Board, the President, or the Board of Directors.
Meetings may be conducted in person or through electronic means.
6.7 Committees
The Advisory Board may establish expert panels, thematic committees, or temporary working groups for the purpose of undertaking research, preparing reports, or supporting specific strategic initiatives.
6.8 Honorary Service
Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, members of the Advisory Board shall serve in an honorary and voluntary capacity.
Reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties may be reimbursed in accordance with the Forum’s financial policies.
ARTICLE 7
ASSETS, FINANCE, AUDIT AND DISSOLUTION
7.1 Non-Profit Character of Assets
The assets, income, and financial resources of the Forum shall be used exclusively and irrevocably for the fulfillment of its statutory non-profit and public-benefit purposes.
No part of the Forum’s assets or income shall directly or indirectly benefit any Member, Director, officer, or private individual except as expressly permitted under these Articles and applicable Swiss law.
7.2 Financial Resources
The financial resources of the Forum may include, but shall not be limited to:
- membership fees;
- grants from governments and international organizations;
- donations, gifts, legacies, and endowments;
- sponsorships;
- conference and event income;
- publications and educational programmes;
- research contracts and consulting services consistent with the Forum’s non-profit purposes;
- investment income derived from prudent management of the Forum’s assets;
- any other lawful income compatible with the objectives of the Forum.
7.3 Application of Funds
All income and property of the Forum shall be applied solely toward the achievement of its statutory objectives.
No profits shall be distributed to Members.
Any financial surplus shall be retained and reinvested exclusively in furtherance of the Forum’s non-profit activities.
7.4 Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board shall normally serve on an honorary and voluntary basis.
The Forum may reimburse reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with official duties.
The Board may authorize appropriate remuneration for executive officers, employees, consultants, or external experts where such remuneration is necessary for the proper operation of the Forum and is consistent with Swiss non-profit regulations.
7.5 Financial Management
The Board of Directors shall ensure that proper accounting records are maintained in accordance with Swiss law and internationally accepted accounting principles where appropriate.
The Forum shall operate in a transparent and financially responsible manner.
7.6 Financial Year
The financial year of the Forum shall commence on 1 January and end on 31 December of each calendar year.
7.7 Audit
The annual financial statements shall be examined by an independent Auditor elected by the General Assembly.
The Auditor shall report directly to the General Assembly regarding the financial statements and the proper administration of the Forum’s finances.
7.8 Liability
The Forum alone shall be liable for its obligations with its own assets.
Neither Members nor members of the Board of Directors shall incur personal liability for the obligations or debts of the Forum except in cases provided by mandatory Swiss law.
7.9 Dissolution
The dissolution of the Forum may only be decided by an Extraordinary General Assembly convened specifically for that purpose.
A resolution for dissolution shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast.
7.10 Liquidation
Upon dissolution, the General Assembly shall appoint one or more liquidators who shall settle the Forum’s affairs in accordance with Swiss law.
7.11 Distribution of Remaining Assets
After settlement of all liabilities, the remaining assets of the Forum shall be transferred irrevocably to one or more Swiss or international non-profit organizations pursuing objectives similar to those of the Forum.
The recipient organization(s) shall themselves pursue exclusively public-benefit purposes and, where applicable, be recognized as tax-exempt under Swiss law or an equivalent legal framework.
Under no circumstances shall any remaining assets be distributed among Members, Directors, founders, or private individuals.
ARTICLE 8
FINAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Applicable Law
These Articles of Association shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the Swiss Confederation.
Any matters not expressly regulated herein shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the Swiss Civil Code, in particular Articles 60 et seq., together with any other mandatory provisions of Swiss law.
8.2 Internal Regulations
The Board of Directors may adopt internal regulations, governance policies, codes of conduct, financial regulations, membership rules, committee rules, and other implementing provisions necessary for the proper administration of the Forum.
Such internal regulations shall not conflict with these Articles of Association.
8.3 Official Language
The official working language of the Forum shall be English.
The Forum may prepare translations of these Articles in other languages for reference and administrative purposes.
In the event of any inconsistency between different language versions, the English version shall prevail unless mandatory Swiss law requires otherwise.
8.4 Amendments
Any amendment to these Articles of Association shall require approval by the General Assembly by a majority of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast, unless a higher majority is required by mandatory Swiss law.
Amendments shall enter into force immediately upon their adoption unless the General Assembly resolves otherwise.
8.5 Entry into Force
These revised Articles of Association were approved by the Extraordinary General Assembly of the EurAsia Forum on 7 July 2026.
They shall enter into force immediately upon their adoption and shall replace all previous versions of the Articles of Association.
8.6 Transitional Provision
All organs, appointments, memberships, internal regulations, resolutions, and contractual relationships existing prior to the adoption of these revised Articles shall remain valid insofar as they are consistent with these Articles and applicable Swiss law.
Where necessary, the Board of Directors shall take all appropriate measures to implement these revised Articles.
8.7 Interpretation
The Board of Directors shall have authority to interpret these Articles in good faith for administrative purposes.
Any interpretation shall remain subject to the mandatory provisions of Swiss law and the ultimate authority of the General Assembly.
8.8 Official Adoption
These Articles of Association constitute the complete constitutional document of the EurAsia Forum.
They were duly adopted by the General Assembly and shall remain binding upon all Members, Directors, officers, committees, and affiliated bodies of the Forum.
8.9 Governance Charter
The Board of Directors may adopt and amend a Governance Charter and such Internal Regulations, Policies, Codes of Conduct, and Administrative Procedures as may be necessary for the effective governance, administration, transparency, accountability, and operation of the Forum.
Such Governance Charter and related internal instruments shall complement these Articles of Association, shall remain fully consistent with Swiss law and these Articles, and shall not modify or supersede any provision contained herein.
The Governance Charter may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions relating to:
- Rules of Procedure of the Board of Directors;
- Responsibilities of the General Secretariat;
- Appointment procedures for the Advisory Board;
- Financial Delegation of Authority;
- Procurement and Contracting Procedures;
- Conflict of Interest Policy;
- Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;
- Risk Management and Internal Control;
- Data Protection and Confidentiality;
- Human Resources and Volunteer Management;
- Compliance and Anti-Corruption Measures;
- Any other governance matters considered necessary by the Board of Directors.
The Governance Charter and all internal regulations adopted pursuant to this Article shall be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with Swiss law, internationally recognized standards of good governance, and the evolving operational needs of the Forum.
SCHEDULE A:ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
This Schedule forms an integral part of the Articles of Association and provides the organizational framework of the Forum.
