As a prelude to further discussion, a presentation was made during the open session to inform participants about progress in formulating the new procedures for updating and disseminating the Model List. In general, there was wide support for the move from experience-based to evidence-based decisions, for the increased link between selection and evidence-based clinical guidelines and for the establishment of the WHO Essential Medicines Library. While recognizing the fact that not all aspects of the new procedures could be implemented in time for the present meeting, it was considered that practical experience gained during the course of this meeting, the first to use the new procedures, should be evaluated carefully in order to make recommendations to the Director-General for future refinement of the procedures.