UNIDROIT - The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law
The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) is an independent intergovernmental organisation. Its purpose is to examine ways to harmonise and coordinate private law, and in particular, commercial law, between countries and groups of countries, and to facilitate the adoption of uniform rules of private law internationally.
There are currently 61 Members of UNIDROIT which represent various legal, economic, and political systems and cultural backgrounds. Australia is an active Member of UNIDROIT and is also represented on the UNIDROIT Governing Council by Mr Ian Govey, Deputy Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, who was elected by the UNIDROIT General Assembly in 2003.
UNIDROIT has sponsored the preparation of several international conventions. It has also developed guides and principles of international law including the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts.
UNIDROIT is currently working on a draft Convention on Intermediated Securities and Substantive Rules regarding Intermediated Securities as well as additions to the Principles of International Contracts.