Zambia Elected to UNCITRAL, Strengthening Role in Global Trade and Climate Action
Zambia has been elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) during elections held at the UN Headquarters.
The country received an impressive 176 votes, joining other African nations such as Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, who garnered 175 votes each. Other African states including Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Congo, and South Africa also secured spots.
The election marks a significant achievement for Zambia, positioning it as a key player in international trade law. As a member state, Zambia will participate in the development of Model Laws, capacity-building initiatives, investor-State dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhance its involvement in global trade affairs.
UNCITRAL’s role in harmonizing and unifying international trade law since its establishment in 1966 is well recognized for promoting the smooth flow of trade globally.
The recent elections at UNCITRAL’s headquarters also saw representatives from Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Western Europe elected, including Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Japan, and Switzerland, among others.
These members will work together to further international trade and commerce under the guidance of the United Nations Charter.
Zambia’s participation in UNCITRAL’s 57th session in June-July 2024 as an Observer State contributed to key advancements, including the adoption of Model Laws on access to credit, warehouse receipts, automated contracting, and electronic commerce.
The session also focused on climate change, marking the Commission’s response to the impacts of carbon emissions on international trade law. Zambia’s seat at the table will further bolster the country’s position in advocating for climate action within the global trade framework.
This is in a statement issued by Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary – Press and Public Relations, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
