A. Commissions shall be established for the study of a specific problem or for the accomplishment of a task which requires international collaboration. Commissions shall promote individual and group research work, encourage the exchange of relevant documents and information, and organize conferences, meetings and, where appropriate, field excursions, both between Congresses and during International Geographical Congresses.

B. The establishment of a new Commission may be proposed by a member country or by the Executive Committee. The proposal, including a statement of objectives and a program of work, should reach the Executive Committee at least nine months before the time of meeting of the General Assembly. The objectives of the new Commission should be precisely defined. The proposal should be accompanied by a suggested list of the future chair and possible steering committee members. It shall then be discussed and may be approved by the Executive Committee

C. Commissions are clustered in thematic fields, each coordinated by a Vice-President. Commissions are renewable depending on evidence of activity and continued relevance to the objectives of the Union. In exceptional cases, an earlier termination or change in task and leadership is possible if the majority of member countries agree on the basis of a letter ballot.

D. A Commission shall consist of a Chair and a Steering Committee normally consisting of not more than ten other members, each of whom shall serve for approximately four years and be eligible for reappointment for a second term of similar length. From among its steering committee members a Commission may designate, if it wishes, a Vice‑Chair and a Secretary. Normally, there shall not be more than one member from any one adhering country. The Chair shall normally be appointed by the General Assembly; the list of steering committee members shall be approved by the Executive Committee. No person shall be a member of the steering committee of more than one Commission. The Commission may co‑opt an appropriate number of members. In the event of a vacancy in the chair occurring between General Assemblies, a new chair shall be appointed by the Executive Committee having regard to the recommendation of the members of the Commission Steering Committee. Vacancies in the Steering Committee of a Commission occurring after the approval of the list by the Executive Committee may be filled by resolution of the Commission.

E. A Commission may organize its work by establishing sub‑committees on special problems.

F. Commissions may apply to the Executive Committee for grants of funds to enable them to carry out their work. The financial liability of the Union is limited to the grants made and approved by the Executive Committee that will divide available funds over the clusters.

G. A Commission may undertake research contracts and may request grants from national or international, or other appropriate, organizations. Commissions must inform the Executive Committee of the action taken and the results achieved.

H. A Commission may publish the results of its work or may collaborate in joint publications.

I. Each Commission shall prepare a concise report on its work which should be submitted to the Secretary‑General for the Executive Committee at least nine months before the next ordinary meeting of the General Assembly. The report should include an account of the work carried out, the methods used, and the results obtained together, when appropriate, with a program of further research. The report shall be distributed to each Committee for the IGU and discussed in open meeting during the International Congress. The combined presentation, discussion and publication of reports by several Commissions may be arranged. The General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, decides whether the activities of a Commission justify the renewal of its appointment.

J. The maximum term of service on a Commission for a chair or steering committee member in any capacity shall be twelve years.