Close on the heels of successful meetings and resultant resolutions with the HCCH (Hague Conference on Private International Law / Conférence de La Haye de Droit International Privé) through its Secretary General Dr. Christophe Bernasconi in October 2022 during the HCCH Asia Pacific Week, the Philippine Bar Association was again requested to meet with UNIDROIT, another international organization.
UNIDROIT, or the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, is an independent intergovernmental Organization with its seat in the Villa Aldobrandini in Rome. Initially established in 1926 as an auxiliary organ of the League of Nations, UNIDROIT was re-established in 1940 on the basis of a multilateral agreement, the UNIDROIT Statute. Its purpose is to harmonize and coordinate private law and commercial law between States and groups of States and by formulating uniform law instruments, principles and rules. UNIDROIT’s work facilitates trade, contributes to international sustainable development, promotes education, advances international cooperation and exchange, and closes cultural gaps.
The 14 November 2022 meeting was conducted with the Deputy Secretary-General of UNIDROIT, Professor Anna Veneziano, at the Manila House in Bonifacio Global City hosted by PBA Past President Rodel A. Cruz. Also present at the meeting were PBA 2nd Vice President and Trustee Ernestine CJD Villareal-Fernando, PBA 3rd Vice President and Trustee Peter C. Corvera and Dean Virgilio De Los Reyes of the DLSU Tañada-Diokno College of Law. Hopes are high that the powerhouse members of the PBA will provide venues for greater commercial and educational exchanges involving the Philippines through the auspices of UNIDROIT.
