A/HRC/39/47 A. Thematic studies 37. The Independent Expert will first undertake thematic studies, drawing from the topics discussed above. In the annual reports that he will produce as a result of these thematic studies he will summarize his findings on particular subjects and provide guidance and recommendations to Member States, intergovernmental agencies, civil society, private sector actors and other stakeholders. 38. Follow-up reports on these thematic studies may be submitted to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly as deemed appropriate. B. Expert consultations 39. The Independent Expert will convene expert meetings and consultations, bringing together participants from academia, civil society, the private sector and international organizations to interrogate the selected themes further. These consultations will aid the mandate holder in identifying obstacles or best practices on selected themes. The recommendations arising from such meetings will further inform the regular reports. C. Country visits 40. The Independent Expert also plans to undertake country visits to examine obstacles to, and best practices in, the promotion and protection of a democratic and equitable international order in more depth. The Independent Expert wishes to thank those countries that have extended standing invitations to mandate holders, and he intends to make additional requests for visit invitations in order to further explore, within particular country contexts, the themes elaborated above. In anticipation of carrying out country visits, the Independent Expert will develop a methodology applicable to the mandate that defines the scope of inquiry for the visits. During such visits, the mandate holder will seek to gather information on action by Governments in promoting democratic governance, including government priorities and any steps taken to implement treaty obligations, and to identify both obstacles and good practices. The Independent Expert will also hold meetings with a range of stakeholders, including government authorities of the countries in question, national human rights institutions, civil society and the private sector. D. Participation in international forums 41. Aware that in its resolution 18/6 the Human Rights Council urged all stakeholders — including States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, international financial institutions, other special procedures and all relevant actors — to cooperate with the mandate holder in the discharge of his mandate, the Independent Expert will seek collaboration and enhance dialogue across the board. 42. The Independent Expert is keen to participate in international forums to raise awareness concerning the importance of promoting and protecting a democratic and equitable international order. In such forums, the mandate holder will contribute to discussions on a democratic and equitable international order that may be carried out by national and regional institutions; the Bretton Woods institutions; regional groupings such as the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of American States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; other intergovernmental groupings such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Community of Democracies; civil society organizations such as the World Economic Forum and the World Social Forum; United Nations agencies; the private sector; and academia. 43. Engaging in dialogue with other stakeholders contributes to better understanding of the mandate and the normative framework and can trigger global consensus on issues raised. 10