A word from the Chair

Elsa Mein

The right to privacy and specifically the right of the individual with regard to the processing of their personal data are of fundamental importance in today’s digitised world. A person’s right to control his or her personal data and the processing of such data guarantee personal autonomy and protect a personal sphere in which personalities can be developed and opinions freely formed. The right to privacy and data protection is therefore essential - not only as such - but also for the exercise of other human rights and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of religion.

First opened for signature over forty years ago, and modernised in 2018 by an Amending Protocol, the Convention 108 with its technology – neutral approach, continues to protect the individual in the digital age. A pioneer in the field, it is still the only binding international treaty specifically guaranteeing the right of individuals to data protection, which is open to any country fulfilling its requirements. As such, it offers a unique opportunity for a global standard in data protection.

As Chair, I am proud and honoured to represent a Committee, which brings together 55 state parties from four continents and over 40 observers committed to the evolution of data protection and promoting cooperation and multilateral exchange beyond regional borders.

Established by Convention 108, the Consultative Committee is composed of representatives of Parties to the Convention complemented by observers that include non-member States represented by their governments or data protection authorities, international organisations and non-governmental organisations. It is responsible for the interpretation of the provisions of the Convention and for facilitating and improving its implementation.

The Committee meets in plenary session twice a year in Strasbourg, its Bureau meets three times a year (see calendar of meetings) The Bureau is composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, four elected members and – de jure - the outgoing Chair.

List of Members

Members of the bureau

34th Plenary Committee (19-21 June 2017)

The Bureau is currently composed as follows:

  • Elsa Mein, Chair (Germany)
  • Caroline Gloor Scheidegger, First Vice-Chair (Switzerland)
  • Awa Ndiaye, Second Vice-Chair (Senegal)
  • Members:
    • Virpi Koivu (Finland)
    • Pablo Manuel Mateos Gascueña (Spain)
    • Anamarija Mladinić (Croatia)
    • Gonzalo Sosa Barreto (Uruguay)
    • Alessandra Pierucci (Outgoing Chair) 

The Committee is at the origin of the development of multiple reports, guides or guidelines, consultable on our website.

List of Observers and institutions invited to attend T-PD’s meetings

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