The detailed work of the Assembly is carried out by the three Standing Committees, which issue opinions and recommendations. The Standing Committees are central to the functioning and deliberations of the Assembly and they focus their attention on the following strategic areas:

• First Standing Committee: Political and Security – related Cooperation, Regional Stability
• Second Standing Committee: Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation
• Third Standing Committee: Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights

In order to implement the decisions taken by the Assembly in relation to its annual and medium-term five year work plan, the Standing Committees determine their priorities on the basis of the key issues indicated by the Assembly. Each Standing Committee reports regularly to the Assembly on its activities. On certain issues, the Committee may agree to assign the discussion to an Ad Hoc Committee or a Special Task Force specifically created for that purpose.

The work of the Committees takes shape through the activities of rapporteurs, who lead the Ad Hoc Groups and the Special Task Forces. The rapporteurs report regularly to the Standing Committees on the progress made in their respective groups and on recommendations to be formulated to the Assembly. These working groups, composed of a core of 5 – 6 participants, are opened to all interested members of the Assembly to ensure the widest possible participation in debate on any given topic.