DISCUSSION DRAFT

1.2. National and regional vending associations play a vital role in supporting their industries, promoting innovation, representing professional interests and maintaining dialogue with public authorities.

1.3. Despite regular meetings at international exhibitions and conferences, there is currently no permanent international platform dedicated to continuous cooperation among the leaders of national and regional vending associations on issues of common international interest.

1.4. This Discussion Draft is intended to initiate an international professional dialogue on the possible establishment of such a platform.

2.1. The purpose of this initiative is to begin an international discussion on the possible establishment of an independent platform for cooperation among the leaders of officially recognized national and regional vending associations.

2.2. The proposed Platform is not intended to replace existing organizations, duplicate their functions or represent the interests of any particular country, region or association.

2.3. Its purpose is to complement existing forms of international cooperation by providing a neutral environment for professional dialogue, exchange of experience and the joint development of expert recommendations on issues of common interest to the global vending industry.

2.4. The initiative also seeks to strengthen the ability of national associations to address common industry challenges through international professional cooperation and independent expert support.

3.1. If established, the Platform should be guided by the following principles:

• Independence;
• Neutrality;
• Voluntary participation;
• Equality and mutual respect;
• Respect for the autonomy of every participating association;
• Open professional dialogue;
• Consensus-oriented cooperation.

4.1. The future Platform could:

• encourage regular dialogue among leaders of national and regional associations;
• facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and international best practices;
• discuss global trends affecting the vending and smart retail industries;
• exchange information regarding regulatory developments;
• prepare non-binding expert recommendations on issues of international relevance;
• promote long-term cooperation among industry associations worldwide.

4.2. The detailed scope of activities should be determined jointly during the next stage of discussions.

4.3. Possible Future Development: As the initiative evolves, participating associations may jointly consider establishing an International Expert Board composed of experts officially nominated by national and regional vending associations.

4.4. One of its principal functions could be the preparation of independent International Advisory Opinions on issues affecting the vending, unattended retail and self-service industries.

4.5. Such opinions could provide participating associations with internationally coordinated professional expertise that may support constructive dialogue with public authorities, regulators, legislative bodies and other relevant institutions, where appropriate and in accordance with applicable national legislation.

4.6. The concept, structure, nomination procedures and operating principles of the International Expert Board would be developed jointly by the Initiative Group during the next stage of the project.

5.1. As an initial step, it is proposed to establish an international Initiative Group consisting of representatives of national and regional associations that express an interest in contributing to this initiative.

5.2. The Initiative Group would jointly:

• review and improve this Discussion Draft;
• define the objectives and long-term vision of the future Platform;
• prepare proposals regarding its organizational model;
• develop a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU);
• prepare recommendations for the Founding Meeting.

5.3. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that the Platform reflects the collective vision of its future founding participants.

6.1. Subject to the interest of participating associations, the Founding Meeting may be organized within the framework of one of the world's leading international vending exhibitions.

6.2. As a practical starting point, consideration may be given to holding the Founding Meeting during the next Asia Vending & Smart Retail Expo in Guangzhou.

6.3. The exhibition provides a timely opportunity for the Initiative Group to complete the initial discussion process, finalize the first agreed documents and, where appropriate, formally launch the initiative within the framework of an established international industry event.

6.4. In the future, meetings may also be hosted by national associations or organized alongside leading international exhibitions and industry forums in different regions of the world by mutual agreement among participants.

7.1. The official name of the Platform should be determined collectively by the Initiative Group and future founding participants.

7.2. Possible naming approaches may combine different descriptors and organizational formats, including, for example: International, Global, World, Independent, Advisory, Expert, Leaders, Council, Board, Forum, Alliance, Institute, Federation, or other alternatives proposed during the discussion.

7.3. The following titles are offered solely as illustrative examples to facilitate discussion:

• International Vending Advisory Council (IVAC)
• World Vending Leaders Forum (WVLF)
• Global Vending & Smart Retail Expert Board (GVSREB)
• World Vending Advisory Forum (WVAF)
• World Alliance for Vending & Smart Retail (WAVSR)
• Global Institute for Vending & Smart Retail Leadership (GIVSL)

7.4. Other suggestions are sincerely welcome. The above examples are intended solely to facilitate discussion and do not represent a preferred or final designation.

8.1. This document is presented solely as a Discussion Draft. Its purpose is to initiate international professional dialogue and invite leaders of national and regional vending associations to participate in shaping this initiative.

8.2. Comments, suggestions, alternative ideas and recommendations are sincerely welcomed.

8.3. Based on the collective discussion, a revised version of this document may be prepared jointly by the Initiative Group and participating associations.

8.4. We believe that the long-term value of this initiative will depend not on any single organization, but on the collective experience, mutual trust and active participation of the international vending community.