- UNCITRAL was established by the UN General Assembly in 1966 to promote the progressive harmonisation and unification of international trade law.
- It is the core legal body of the United Nations system in the field of international trade law.
- It also aims to modernize and harmonize rules on international business.
- The Commission comprises 60 member States elected by the United Nations General Assembly for a term of six years. Membership is structured to ensure representation of the world’s various geographic regions and its principal economic and legal systems.
- India is a founding member of UNCITRAL.
- India is only one of eight countries which have been a member of UNCITRAL since its inception. Last year, it was re-elected for a term of six years (2016-2022).