Seventy-second session of Working Group II (Dispute Settlement)

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) convened its fifty-third session in 2020, comprising two parts: the first from July 6 to 17, and the second from September 14 to 18. This session was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant adaptation in the Commission's operations.

During this session, UNCITRAL focused on several key areas:

- **Adoption of the Joint Guide on Commercial Contract Law**: UNCITRAL approved the publication of a joint guide with UNIDROIT and the Hague Conference on Private International Law, aiming to harmonize commercial contract law.

- **Endorsement of Incoterms 2020 Rules**: The Commission endorsed the latest version of the Incoterms rules, which are essential for international trade.

- **Coordination and Cooperation**: UNCITRAL continued its collaboration with other international organizations, including the Hague Conference on Private International Law, UNIDROIT, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, to promote uniformity in international trade law.

- **Technical Assistance and Capacity Building**: The Commission provided technical assistance to member states, disseminated information on its work, and supported international commercial law moot competitions to enhance legal education.

The session also addressed the pilot operation of the repository under the UNCITRAL Rules on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration, discussing its current role in promoting the rule of law.

This session was particularly significant as it was conducted entirely online, reflecting UNCITRAL's adaptability in the face of global challenges.