The Executive Board normally holds four sessions per year: one Annual Session and three Regular Sessions. As stated in the Rules of Procedure, in exceptional circumstances, the Board may also hold special sessions.

In addition to the formal sessions of the Board, informal inter-sessional meetings are held to brief members and observers.

Any Member State of the United Nations or Member Nation of FAO, that is not a member of the Board, may, on request, participate in the deliberations of the Board, without the right to vote.

According to the Rule XV of the Rules of Procedure the Specialized Agencies of the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) interested and cooperating with the Programme may be invited.

Executive board sessions