If you are wondering what is meant by “AOB” in an agenda, read this article. AOB stands for agenda item off-bill. Traditionally, this comes last on an agenda, but it can change the tone of a meeting. A good AOB encourages attendees to discuss any unplanned items separately at a future meeting. It also encourages participants to discuss current topics during the meeting.
The AOB has been used extensively at UN meetings to keep the Council abreast of situations that are not on the regular agenda. For example, a recent UN Council meeting focused on the appointment process for the next Secretary-General. In addition to briefings on issues on the Council’s agenda, AOB was used to discuss political and humanitarian developments, such as the CAR and Yemen. The broader purpose of an AOB briefing is to give member states the opportunity to ask questions and express their opinions in an informal manner.
AOB format has also been used in other UN meetings to get information that could impact a decision. For example, in January, the UN requested more troops in CAR, but some Council members wanted more details. Likewise, in 2015, the AOB format was used to introduce draft texts on Boko Haram, the EU Naval Force’s interdiction of migrant smugglers, and the Iran nuclear deal.
Another example of AOB on an agenda is the “any other business” section. This section of an agenda is often used when a meeting has too many unplanned items to discuss. This can cause problems as unplanned questions or concerns can occupy more time than members have available. However, this designation has been used since the eighteenth century as the last thing the chairman said at the end of a meeting.
An AOB is important. A meeting agenda will not be complete without it. This section is designed to address important issues that have not been properly discussed at previous meetings. Leaving important items to the AOB is a mistake and can lead to wrong decisions. A meeting agenda should be detailed and well-organized. There are two different types of AOB: one for an annual meeting, and the other for an extraordinary meeting.
When drafting an agenda, make sure you clarify items. Some terms, such as “housekeeping,” can mean different things to different people. Try to be clear about what each item means before the meeting starts. By doing so, you will prevent any confusion and ensure that everyone gets a fair share of the discussion. Once you have established these parameters, you can begin the meeting and make it a success!
