CANZ, the G-77, China, Japan and the most of the EC countries endorse a Commission of 53 members. The Secretary-General advocates a limited size for the composition of the Commission, subject to the principle of equitable geographical distribution. The question of NGO access to and participation within the CSD could prove to be one of the most difficult issues to be negotiated. The central debate will revolve around the procedural basis for access and participation. This, in effect, qualifies only those international NGOs who have been in existence for three years or more and would, thus, totally exclude most national and grassroots NGOs.
Most countries advocate locating the Secretariat of the Commission in either Geneva or New York.
Not all position papers specify recommendations on where the meetings of the Commission should be held, except that the venue should enable full participation of developing countries. Many G-77 countries are in favor of New York in light of their already established infrastructures there. Difficulties could possibly arise around the Secretariat support structure. Many NGOs question the propriety of this proposal, especially in light of the potential conflict of interest that could arise since the DESD is one of the UN organs which the CSD is expected to review. CANZ and the EC argue for a more independent secretariat.