About forty percent of the Council Members are (former) senior government officials, diplomats and politicians, who are highly respected by government leaders. Forty percent are eminent persons from among the ranks of leaders of autonomous regions, (indigenous) peoples and minorities. They command the respect of their peers around the world. About twenty percent are individuals with a background with international organisations and non-state entities such as multinational corporations, religious organisations and academic institutions. All of them have extensive knowledge and experience with intrastate conflicts. The council is also balanced in terms of regions, cultural background, gender and religion. Together, the council members have broad access and credibility among parties in intrastate conflicts. Teams involved in conflict situations are carefully selected to reflect a balance appropriate to the specific issue they are mandated to address.