Hanoi: The Working Group III - Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) convened its 10th intersessional meeting in the northern province of Ninh Binh on September 7. Co-organised by the Ministry of Justice and the UNCITRAL Secretariat, the three-day event brings together nearly 250 delegates, experts, and speakers from more than 60 countries and territories, including representatives of member states, observers of Working Group III, international organisations, and experts and scholars in investment law and international investment dispute settlement.

According to Vietnam News Agency, this marks the first time Vietnam has hosted such an intersessional meeting. The gathering underscores the country's growing involvement in international trade law and dispute resolution processes. The focus of the meeting is on reforming the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanisms, a crucial area of international law that has been under scrutiny for its impact on global investments and state sovereignty.

The event provides a platform for participants to exchange views, share experiences, and propose potential reforms to improve the current system. Discussions are expected to address both procedural and substantive aspects of dispute resolution, aiming to balance the interests of investors and states while enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the settlement process.

The participation of a diverse group of stakeholders, including international organisations and legal scholars, highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving meaningful reforms. The outcomes of this meeting are anticipated to contribute to ongoing negotiations and future policy developments within the framework of UNCITRAL.