The General Assembly of CISM approves the CISM strategic and annual business plans, the accounts and the budget, the acceptance of new member nations and changes in related policy, the final status of inactive or suspended nations and changes in related policy, all amendments to the Statutes, all amendments to the Policy Manual governing financial and electoral matters, the establishment of new Honours and Awards or changes in related policy. The General Assembly also reviews the results of the strategic and annual business plans and provides guidance as may be required, conducts statutory elections, appoints the auditors, considers other matters placed before it by any CISM body, decides on the dissolution of CISM.
The Congress is the annual meeting of delegations of member nations immediately preceding the General Assembly. The Congress is dedicated to strategic and business planning, discussions and debates, presentations and exchange of information.