The World Forum/WP.29 gathers government delegations from around the world to decide on regulatory proposals and to define areas for global cooperation. The Forum meets three times each year to vote on the adoption of proposals and to discuss safety and environmental issues. The Forum oversees six permanent Working Parties (known as GRs from their French acronyms) devoted to particular vehicle performance areas.

The Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling (GRE) prepares regulatory proposals on light-related vehicle safety systems for consideration by the World Forum/WP.29. GRE gathers more than 70 government, industry, and other interested experts. GRE usually convenes in March and October of each year.

The Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE) prepares regulatory proposals concerning motor-vehicle pollutant emissions, fuel efficiency, energy consumption, and similar environmental performance areas for consideration by the World Forum/WP.29. More than 120 government, industry, and other interested experts contribute to this work at each session. GRPE usually convenes during January and June of each year.

The Working Party on Braking and Running Gear (GRRF) focuses on primary safety systems such as vehicle braking, steering, and chassis systems, including tires, for consideration by the World Forum. GRRF regularly gathers more than 100 specialists in active safety systems from government agencies and non-governmental organizations around the world. GRRF usually convenes during February and September.

The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) focuses on occupant and vulnerable road user protection systems, incuding vehicle crash testing. GRSP regularly gathers more than 70 specialists in occupant safety systems from government agencies and non-governmental organizations worldwide. GRSP usually convenes in May and December of each year.

The Working Party on Noise (GRB) prepares regulatory proposals for consideration by the World Forum/WP.29 relating to noise emissions and sound-based alerting systems. GRB typically gathers more than 70 specialists in sound-related areas from government agencies and non-governmental organizations around the world. GRB usually convenes during February and September of each year.

The Working Party on General Safety (GRSG) is the main body under WP.29 for matters concerning vehicle safety related to the general construction of vehicles with particular attention to safety requirements for buses and motor coaches. GRSG regularly gathers more than 65 specialists from government agencies and non-governmental organizations across the world. GRSG usually convenes during late April/early May and October of each year.