GFDSA LEADERSHIP

MISSION

The GFDSA mission is to build understanding and support for direct selling worldwide. The federation supports direct selling companies and associations by:

  • Developing, maintaining and promoting the highest global standards for responsible and ethical conduct.
  • Advocating the industry’s positions and interest with governments, media and key influencers.
  • Serving as a trusted global resource for information on direct selling.
  • Facilitating interaction among direct selling executives on issues of importance to the industry.

OBJECTIVES

The key objectives of the Federation is to pursue the highest level of ethical conduct in the global marketplace, fosters advocacy by partnering with government, consumer and academic leaders around the world, strengthens management of national Direct Selling Associations and promoting integration and alignment of direct selling companies.

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The Operating Group is responsible for general oversight, administration and overall execution of the program of work.

Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Barani Karunakaran

Founder & Group CEO

Destina1 International

Malaysia

The GFDSA CEO Council is an exclusive, high-level advisory body established under the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA). This council comprises the CEOs of leading regional and domestic direct-selling companies, representing diverse markets across GFDSA member countries.

The primary role of the CEO Council is to serve as a strategic forum for global industry leadership, where top executives come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, share visionary insights, and address key challenges and opportunities facing the direct selling sector.

Through this platform, GFDSA ensures that the voices of regional leaders and domestic enterprises are heard at the highest level, encouraging collaborative policy-making, innovation-driven initiatives, and sustainable industry practices that align with global standards.

The CEO Council will play a pivotal role in:

  • Guiding the long-term strategic direction of GFDSA initiatives
  • Advising on cross-border regulatory trends, technology integration, and ethical practices
  • Supporting capacity-building efforts for regional and domestic associations
  • Promoting best practices, transparency, and business integrity across all levels of the industry

This council reflects GFDSA’s commitment to inclusivity, thought leadership, and a united global ecosystem in which every stakeholder—regardless of market size—is represented.

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The Board of Delegates is composed of one voting member representing each member Association in full standing, as designated by the governing body of such member Association. All members of the Operating Group are also members of the Board of Delegates.

Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Barani Karunakaran

Founder & Group CEO

Destina1 International

Malaysia

Shaila Manyam (Executive Director)

Chairman and CEO

Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations

Untited States

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Advocates on industry’s behalf globally; develops/strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders; promote industry’s image.

Key Initiatives:

  • Work with/strengthen relationships with various stakeholders around the world
  • Conduct educational, consumer and academic programs on a national, regional and global level
  • Socio-Economic Impact Studies
  • Reputation Building Studies
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Annual Report
  • Media Outreach/Public Affairs/Communications Programs
  • Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives
  • Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Consumer Education and Protection Initiative

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Assists in association development, association management, association formation and training and promotion of local DSA initiatives

Key Initiatives:

  • Regional Association Performance Seminars
  • Secretaries Seminars
  • Minimum DSA Standards
  • Association Formation and Training
  • Promotion of Local DSA Initiatives
  • Annually review/DSAs ranking
  • Annual statistical data collection

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Promotes the highest ethical practices globally by administering and enforcing the Codes of Conduct and implements programs aimed at improving the self-regulatory activities of local DSAs and their members.

Key Initiatives:

  • Periodic review of Model Code for possible amendment to meet the needs of marketplace
  • Regular Code Administrator sharing sessions on a regional and/or global basis
  • Global Code of Ethics toolkit and recognition program
  • Library of Best Code enforcement practices for members and Code Administrators

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COMMITTEE

Advocacy Committee :

The Advocacy Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) is dedicated to representing, protecting, and promoting the interests of the global direct selling industry. Operating on an inclusive international framework, the committee builds strong relationships with external stakeholders, enhances public perception, and ensures that regional and domestic players' voices are heard and respected worldwide.

Mandate :

To act as the unified voice of the direct selling industry, championing ethical practices, consumer trust, and socio-economic value on a global scale.

Key Initiatives & Strategic Priorities:

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building

Foster and strengthen partnerships with government bodies, regulators, academia, media, NGOs, and civil society across all member countries.

Education & Awareness Programs

Develop and execute impactful consumer education, business ethics, and academic collaboration programs at national, regional, and global levels.

Socio-Economic Impact Studies

Commission research to quantify the positive economic and social contributions of direct selling across communities, especially in underserved and developing regions.

Reputation & Trust-Building Studies

Conduct ongoing studies and surveys to enhance industry credibility and counter misconceptions, positioning direct selling as a legitimate and empowering economic model.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Community Development

Promote CSR initiatives among member companies focused on education, health, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

Annual Industry Report

Publish comprehensive annual reports highlighting industry trends, growth, regulatory developments, member achievements, and GFDSA-led initiatives.

Global Media & Public Affairs Program

Drive unified media strategies, digital campaigns, and public affairs programs that reinforce a positive image of direct selling globally.

Women’s Economic Empowerment Movement

Launch and support initiatives that uplift and empower women entrepreneurs through training, funding access, recognition, and regional collaboration.

GFDSA Consumer Education & Protection Initiative (CEPI)

A strategic global initiative to enhance consumer awareness, ethical business conduct, product transparency, and redressal mechanisms, especially tailored for emerging markets and underserved populations.

Association Services Committee :

The Association Services Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) is committed to strengthening regional and direct selling associations' capabilities, visibility, and sustainability across GFDSA member countries. This committee plays a pivotal role in capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and empowering associations to meet international standards while honouring local market needs.

Mandate :

To support the growth and professional development of national and regional associations through strategic training, structured development programs, and the promotion of impactful domestic initiatives.

Key Initiatives & Focus Areas:

Regional Association Seminars

Organize and host interactive seminars for domestic associations that address governance, compliance, leadership, and ethical selling practices.

GFDSA Benchmark Standards

Define and promote Minimum GFDSA Operational and Governance Standards that ensure credibility, professionalism, and alignment with global best practices.

Regional Association Training Programs

Deliver structured training modules tailored to local market challenges, focusing on leadership development, legal frameworks, digital transformation, and member engagement.

Promotion of Domestic Initiatives

Actively promote and amplify initiatives led by regional direct selling associations, giving them international exposure and support through GFDSA platforms.

Annual Industry Data & Insights Program

Coordinate with all member associations to collect, validate, and publish accurate, localized, and comparative data on industry performance, growth trends, socio-economic impact, and regulatory environments across different countries.

Ethics Committee :

The Ethics Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) plays a central role in ensuring that the direct selling industry operates with the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and consumer respect. By promoting ethical excellence across all member countries, the committee is responsible for administering the GFDSA World Code of Ethics, supporting self-regulation, and guiding associations and companies in upholding trusted business practices.

Mandate:

To safeguard consumer interests and uphold public trust in the direct selling industry through the consistent application, education, and evolution of ethical standards across all GFDSA member countries.

Key Initiatives & Strategic Programs:

To safeguard consumer interests and uphold public trust in the direct selling industry through the consistent application, education, and evolution of ethical standards across all GFDSA member countries.

Dynamic Review of the GFDSA World Code of Ethics

Conduct periodic reviews and revisions of the GFDSA Code to reflect changes in global consumer expectations, technology, and evolving business environments. These updates ensure the Code remains market-relevant and culturally adaptable to local contexts.

Regional & Global Ethics Forums

Organize regular regional and global sharing sessions for Code Administrators and ethics officers to exchange insights, resolve challenges, and align best enforcement practices.

Ethics Toolkit & Recognition Program

Develop and distribute a comprehensive GFDSA Global Ethics Toolkit, including training guides, complaint-handling frameworks, and communication templates. Recognize associations and companies demonstrating exceptional compliance and ethical leadership through annual awards and certifications.

Best Practices Library in Code Enforcement

Maintain a centralized digital library of documented best practices, case studies, and policy guidelines to support members and Code Administrators in effectively implementing and consistently enforcing ethical standards.

Ethics Capacity-Building for Domestic Associations

Provide structured training, mentoring, and support programs to strengthen the self-regulatory frameworks of regional direct selling associations and help them build credibility and trust in their local markets.

Global Regulatory Committee :

The Global Regulatory Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) is dedicated to safeguarding the future of the direct selling industry by providing proactive, strategic, and technical support to domestic and regional direct selling associations in navigating regulatory landscapes. This committee bridges sectors and governments, ensuring fair, progressive, and transparent policy environments across GFDSA member countries.

Mandate:

To enable regional and domestic associations to respond to regulatory challenges effectively, enhance industry credibility, and advocate for direct selling as a viable, lawful, and socially responsible business model.

Key Initiatives & Support Services:

Global Regulatory Intelligence & Reports

Gather, analyze, and distribute comprehensive reports and insights on global and regional regulatory trends, policies, enforcement practices, and legal developments relevant to direct selling.

Strategic Lobbying & Policy Advocacy Support

Provide on-demand advisory and lobbying support to domestic associations, assisting them in presenting unified, evidence-based positions to government authorities and regulatory agencies.

Regulatory Capacity Building & Training

Conduct specialized training programs and workshops for domestic associations to enhance understanding of regulatory frameworks, risk mitigation, and compliance strategies across different jurisdictions.

GFDSA Legal Reference Compendium

Maintain an up-to-date legal resource hub featuring comparative regulations, legislative summaries, and compliance tools tailored to the needs of member associations and companies.

Policy Position Papers & Industry Briefs

Develop and distribute policy papers, regulatory position statements, and briefing documents on emerging issues, providing domestic associations with ready-to-use materials to engage policymakers effectively.

Governance & Finance Committee :

The Governance & Finance Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) upholds the highest standards of organizational integrity, transparency, and financial stewardship. The committee provides strategic oversight and operational guidance to ensure that all GFDSA activities and its member associations operate within a unified framework of ethical governance, sound financial practices, and measurable performance standards.

Governance & Finance Committee :

The Governance & Finance Committee of the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) upholds the highest standards of organizational integrity, transparency, and financial stewardship. The committee provides strategic oversight and operational guidance to ensure that all GFDSA activities and its member associations operate within a unified framework of ethical governance, sound financial practices, and measurable performance standards.

Mandate:

To ensure that GFDSA and its affiliated associations maintain accountability, compliance, and responsible governance while enabling growth and sustainability through a structured financial and operational framework.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Governance Framework Development

Establish a standardized governance structure across member associations, outlining roles, responsibilities, code of conduct, and decision-making processes.

Financial Oversight & Policy Advisory

Provide guidelines on financial policies, reporting standards, and best practices in financial management to ensure transparency, compliance, and resource efficiency.

Performance Standards & Evaluation Metrics

Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for GFDSA and its member associations to assess impact, alignment, and operational effectiveness.

Code of Conduct for Governing Bodies

Ensure adherence to a clear, comprehensive GFDSA Leadership Code of Conduct, reinforcing professionalism, accountability, and ethical behavior among executive and committee members.

Compliance Monitoring & Capacity Building

Support member associations through compliance monitoring tools, training, and advisory sessions to align them with GFDSA’s governance and financial standards.

GFDSA CEO Council

The GFDSA CEO Council is an exclusive, high-level advisory body established under the Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA). This council comprises the CEOs of leading regional and domestic direct-selling companies, representing diverse markets across GFDSA member countries.

The primary role of the CEO Council is to serve as a strategic forum for global industry leadership, where top executives come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, share visionary insights, and address key challenges and opportunities facing the direct selling sector.

Through this platform, GFDSA ensures that the voices of regional leaders and domestic enterprises are heard at the highest level, encouraging collaborative policy-making, innovation-driven initiatives, and sustainable industry practices that align with global standards.

The CEO Council will play a pivotal role in:

  • Guiding the long-term strategic direction of GFDSA initiatives
  • Advising on cross-border regulatory trends, technology integration, and ethical practices
  • Supporting capacity-building efforts for regional and domestic associations
  • Promoting best practices, transparency, and business integrity across all levels of the industry

This council reflects GFDSA’s commitment to inclusivity, thought leadership, and a united global ecosystem in which every stakeholder—regardless of market size—is represented.

GFDSA Membership for Regional Direct Selling Associations (RDSAs)

The Global Federation of Direct Selling Associations (GFDSA) proudly represents and supports a diverse network of regional direct selling associations worldwide. As a global federation founded on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment, GFDSA recognizes all legitimate regional direct-selling associations, regardless of size or region, as vital contributors to the advancement of the direct-selling industry.

Eligibility & Inclusivity

Any duly registered and constitutionally established direct selling association from any country or region can apply for GFDSA membership. GFDSA welcomes an association per country if they meet the ethical, legal, and operational standards required for membership. This ensures legitimate representation and practices.

Types of DSA Membership:

1. Full Membership

Granted to DSAs that comply with the GFDSA Minimum Association Standards and the GFDSA World Code of Ethics. Full members enjoy the following privileges:

  • Voting rights at GFDSA General Assemblies and Committee meetings
  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to serve on key GFDSA committees
  • Access to all GFDSA programs, resources, and strategic forums
  • Visibility on GFDSA’s global platforms and initiatives

2. Developmental Membership

Designed for newly formed or developing associations that are in the process of achieving full compliance. Benefits include:

  • Access to GFDSA’s training, mentoring, and development programs
  • Participation in global dialogues (non-voting capacity)
  • Reduced membership fees during the development phase
  • Guidance toward achieving full membership status within a defined timeframe

Annual Membership Contribution Structure:

To ensure financial accessibility and fairness, GFDSA membership contributions are based on the size and maturity of the regional direct selling market, not solely on retail volume. The goal is to support associations from emerging economies and developing nations alongside more mature markets.

Annual National Retail Sales Volume (USD) Annual Membership Fee (USD)
Over $5 Billion $4,000
$1 – 5 Billion $2,000
$250 Million – $999 Million $1,000
Below $250 Million $800
New or Emerging Associations $500 (Developmental Membership Tier)

GFDSA may waive or reduce fees for associations in low-income or transitioning economies based on a needs assessment and strategic alignment.

Important Notes:

  • All members must adhere to the GFDSA World Code of Ethics and participate in federation initiatives.
  • Membership fees fund advocacy, training, research, and global collaboration programs that benefit all members.
  • Annual contributions are non-refundable and must be renewed annually to maintain active membership status.