The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is an influential and pioneering international organization that serves as the UN’s body of choice for international trade law-related issues. Its primary purpose is to promote harmony, fairness and efficiency in international trade and investment. This is accomplished through a wide range of initiatives, including dispute resolution, electronic commerce and the sale of goods, as well as by providing the opportunity for governments to agree on legal frameworks for resolving issues and conducting business.

Established in 1966, UNCITRAL is headquartered in New York and works to bring conformity among the many international laws, regulations, and practices governing international trade and investment. The Commission's members include all UN Member States, with a headquarters and a secretariat located in Vienna, Austria.

At the heart of UNCITRAL’s mission is the aim of removing barriers to international trade and investing. This includes promoting the harmonization of laws and regulations among countries, the development of legal principles, and the assessment and resolution of disputes that may arise in the course of multinational business activities.

One of UNCITRAL’s most successful initiatives has been the development of the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. This set of guiding principles strives to provide an accepted level of consistency and fairness among different countries’ legal frameworks governing arbitrations. Additionally, the organization has encouraged states to apply the model law provisions within their own legal systems.

Other major objectives of UNCITRAL's include the facilitation of electronic commerce, the Sale of Goods Convention, the Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit and Working Groups on Secured Transactions, Security Rights and Licensing Issues, Investment Dispute Settlement, Electronic Commerce, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Settlement.

In addition, UNCITRAL also acts as a forum for countries to discuss and explore viable legal frameworks for cross-border activities. Through its various activities, the organization encourages the growth of international trade and investment opportunities by helping to foster a collaborative business environment.

As the primary source of guidance for international trade law, UNCITRAL has had a long-lasting impact in helping to guarantee clear rules and regulations for transactions conducted across borders. Through its observations and initiatives, the organization has helped to reduce the risk and complexity of doing business internationally and has been a leader in establishing legal norms and practices to reflect the needs of modern businesses. UNCITRAL continues to serves as a vital part of the international business environment and is essential in helping to ensure legal certainty, fairness and efficiency in the conduct of international trade and investment.