1. General Assembly
The General Assembly should be the highest decision-making body of PARST. It would comprise recognised member associations and accredited representatives from participating countries.
Its principal responsibilities would include approving PARST policies and strategic direction, electing the Governing Council, approving annual reports and financial statements, admitting new member associations, and approving amendments to the constitution.
2. Governing Council / Board
The Governing Council should provide strategic oversight and ensure that PARST operates in accordance with its mission, constitution and continental objectives.
Recommended composition:
- President
- Vice President
- Immediate Past President
- Secretary-General
- Treasurer
- Representatives from participating countries
- Chairs of selected technical committees
The Board may also include two or three independent advisers with expertise in circular economy, textile recycling, sustainability, international development or governance.
3. President
The President should serve as the principal elected leader and official representative of PARST.
Key functions would include providing strategic leadership, chairing the General Assembly and Governing Council, representing PARST at continental and international forums, promoting partnerships, and ensuring implementation of decisions of the General Assembly.
4. Vice President
The Vice President should support the President and act on behalf of the President when required. The Vice President could also coordinate relationships among country chapters and oversee institutional development.
5. Secretary-General
The Secretary-General should be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Association and coordination of the Secretariat.
Responsibilities would include implementing Board decisions, coordinating meetings and programmes, supervising administrative staff, maintaining institutional records, coordinating country chapters and preparing annual reports.
6. Treasurer
The Treasurer should provide oversight of PARST’s financial affairs, including budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure monitoring, resource mobilisation and ensuring adherence to approved financial procedures.
7. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee comprises:
| Position | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|
| President | Strategic and institutional leadership |
| Vice President | Coordination and support to the President |
| Secretary-General | Administration and implementation |
| Deputy Secretary-General | Secretariat and programme support |
| Treasurer | Financial management and accountability |
| Programmes/Organising Secretary | Conferences, projects and programmes |
| Communications & Public Relations Officer | Visibility, media and stakeholder communication |
| Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Officer | Partnerships, sponsorships and fundraising |
8. Technical Committees
PARST could establish specialist committees to support its continental mandate:
Circular Economy & Textile Recycling Committee – recycling systems, reuse, upcycling, waste reduction and circular business models.
Policy, Regulation & Advocacy Committee – engagement with governments, regional institutions and regulators.
Research, Innovation & Data Committee – research, industry data, technology and innovation.
Standards, Quality & Compliance Committee – industry standards, occupational safety, environmental compliance and responsible secondhand textile trade.
Training & Capacity Development Committee – professional training, workshops and technical capacity building.
Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Committee – donors, development partners, investors and private-sector partnerships.
Communications, Events & Membership Committee – conferences, membership growth, media, branding and stakeholder engagement.
9. Country Representatives / National Chapters
Each participating country should have a National Coordinator or Country Representative. Initially, this may include:
Ghana • Kenya • Uganda • Togo • Benin • Côte d’Ivoire • Zimbabwe
Each national chapter could have a:
Country Chair → Vice Chair → Secretary → Treasurer → Programme Coordinator → Members
Country representatives would report to the PARST Secretariat and serve as the link between national stakeholders and the continental organisation.
10. Advisory Council
PARST may also establish an Advisory Council consisting of respected experts from academia, industry, government, development agencies, and the circular economy sector. The Council would provide technical and strategic advice but would not ordinarily exercise executive authority.