The highest policy-making body of the OAU (Organization of African Unity) is the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. This is a forum where the leaders of member states come together to discuss issues of common concern and make decisions on policy matters. The Assembly meets once a year and is responsible for setting the overall direction and priorities of the organization. The decisions made by the Assembly are binding on all member states and are implemented by the General Secretariat, which is the administrative arm of the OAU. The Council of Ministers, on the other hand, is a subsidiary body that assists the Assembly in carrying out its functions. The Economic and Social Commission is also a subsidiary body that focuses on economic and social issues.