A/HRC/39/47 Organization, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. He would like to consult with regional bodies including the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of American States, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Moreover, the Independent Expert hopes to explore synergies with the private sector, civil society organizations and academia in all regions of the world. 8. The mandate holder considers “civic participation” to be a core value and a key element in the realization of a democratic and equitable international order. In the pursuit of the goals of the mandate, the Independent Expert will seek to examine current State practices and propose measures necessary for States to reduce the growing social and economic disparities that are a threat to world peace and sustainable development. The Independent Expert believes that a new world order is possible, one that is based on universal respect for human rights, social justice, rule of law and equitable development. 9. The activities under the mandate will include thematic studies on identified focus areas, consultations and dialogue at the national, regional and international levels with relevant stakeholders, including States, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental bodies, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society and the academy. The Independent Expert will seek to participate actively in key international debates on democracy, elections, migration, donor financing and public-sector reform. In addition to participating in conferences and conducting thematic studies, he will carry out country visits and dialogue with Governments on measures necessary to uphold agreed standards on democracy and sustainable development, as well as identify obstacles — whether structural, systemic or otherwise — to the realization of equitable development. The Independent Expert will, where appropriate, provide advice, carry out advocacy and raise concerns through the established working methods of the special procedures, including issuing communications and public statements, jointly with other mandate holders when relevant, paying special attention to gender and disability perspectives. He will engage with States to ensure that they uphold their human rights obligations and propose measures that promote active citizenship and enhance economic progress and equity, taking into account the political, economic and social realities among individual Member States. 10. In the present report the Independent Expert first provides a scope for the mandate. He then outlines a number of thematic priorities that he would like to study and report on during his tenure. In the final section he spells out the methodological approach that he will deploy in carrying out his mandate. II. Mandate 11. According to paragraph 14 of resolution 18/6, the Independent Expert is mandated: (a) To identify possible obstacles to the promotion and protection of a democratic and equitable international order, and to submit proposals and/or recommendations to the Human Rights Council on possible actions in that regard; (b) To identify best practices in the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order at the local, national, regional and international levels; (c) To raise awareness concerning the importance of promoting and protecting a democratic and equitable international order; (d) To work in cooperation with States in order to foster the adoption of measures at the local, national, regional and international levels aimed at the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; (e) To work in close coordination, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, other special procedures of the Human Rights Council, international financial institutions, as well as with other relevant actors representing the broadest range of interests and experiences, within their respective mandates, including by attending and following up on relevant international conferences and events; 3