The Gland workshop brought together 39 participants representing governments, the private sector, international financial institutions, civil society organisations, and affected people. The participants identified key issues relating to the social, environmental, technical, and financial aspects of dams that had to be addressed in reviewing the role of dams and their alternatives in sustainable development. The WCD was formally announced in February 1998 in Washington DC and began its work in May 1998. Most significantly, it reflects the assumption that global public policy issues can no longer be addressed without the active participation of governments, the private sector, and civil society. The Commission's 12 members were chosen to reflect regional diversity, expertise, and stakeholder perspectives, with each Commissioner serving in his or her individual capacity.
None represents specific organisations or countries.
The Commission is independent. It deals with issues addressing broader considerations such as water and energy policy, as well as more specific technical and policy-oriented questions such as resettlement, compensation for affected communities, and watershed impacts. The Commission is purely advisory in nature. Mandated to study and review a range of issues and experiences with dams, it will not adjudicate on specific disputes as this would compromise its independence. The Commission has used these meetings to reach consensus on its objectives and approach, define the work programme, and consultation process as well as initiate the WCD activities in different parts of the world.