Weltkommission

Weltkommission is a German-language term meaning "world commission." It is used to describe international or globally focused commissions established to study large-scale problems and to propose policy recommendations. The phrase does not denote a single fixed organization, but rather a class of bodies that operate across borders and sectors.

In German usage, the term is often attached to prominent commissions convened by international institutions such as the United Nations or by coalitions of governments, civil society, and experts. A well-known instance is the World Commission on Environment and Development (1983–1987), commonly referred to in German as the Weltkommission für Umwelt und Entwicklung. Its report, Our Common Future, helped popularize the concept of sustainable development and influenced subsequent global policy discourse.

Another example is the World Commission on Dams (1997–2000), which assessed the social and environmental impacts of large dam projects and produced the report Dams and Development. In German-language sources this body is sometimes described as a Weltkommission für Staudämme. These commissions typically operate with multinational membership, produce comprehensive reports, and aim to inform policymakers, international organizations, and the public.

Purpose and outputs of weltkommissiones generally include independent analysis, synthesis of evidence, and policy recommendations intended to guide governance at national and international levels. While they can significantly shape agendas and standards, they often face criticisms regarding representativeness, scope, and the implementation of their recommendations.

See also: sustainable development, global governance, international policy reports.