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International Organizations

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)

The UN General Assembly established the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) in 1966 to harmonize and unify the law of international trade. UNCITRAL promotes trade as a means of increasing growth and improving living standards. To increase opportunities worldwide, UNCITRAL is facilitating the modern and fair rules on commercial transactions. The Commission is composed of 36 member states representing all geographic regions of the world. In addition, any state that is not a member, as well as interested international organizations, may attend sessions of the Commission and of its working groups as participating observers.

UNCITRAL has an impact disproportionate to its small size. The Commission created six working groups covering the international sale of goods and related transactions; international transport of goods; international commercial arbitration and conciliation; public procurement; construction contracts; international payments; electronic commerce; and cross-border insolvency.

The Commission carries out its work at annual sessions, which are held in alternate years at the United Nations in New York and at the Vienna International Center. UNCITRAL provides training through national and regional seminars in developing countries as well as briefing missions on international trade law for the purpose of promoting knowledge about the work of the Commission and promoting the adoption and use of its texts. UNCITRAL also publishes a number of documents including an annual Yearbook and various legal guides. These important efforts support US interests in developing global markets.