What I learned from working at the UN

Speaking to government officials from around the world seems like a daunting task. However, you will miss out on the most important opportunity to make an impact if you keep your opinion to yourself.

I spoke at one of the United Nations Commission International Trade Law Commission (UNCITRAL) Working Groups on Dispute Resolution.

The UNCITRAL coordinates the work of organizations active in this international dispute resolution and encourages cooperation among them and over 60 state governments.

At first, as a representative of a Non-Government Organisation (NGO), I was less likely to speak up amongst ministers and government officials. However, I was told not to think that way because government officials want to hear the perspectives and experiences of international practitioners so that they can balance the interests of all stakeholders and make legislations that are relevant and practical.

I listened to the debates attentively and I supported motions, offered observations, analysed proposed frameworks, and corrected misconceptions. My contributions were valued and recognised and our discussions keep moving forward despite feeling stuck from time to time.

After 5 days of intense deliberation, we adopted the proposed legislative options for UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as well and Technology-Related Dispute Resolution. Members of the working group celebrated international cuisine, music, dance, and beautiful sights in Vienna afterwards.

Here are the criteria and procedures for inviting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the United Nations Commission and Working Groups:

Criteria:

Conformity of the aims and purpose of the organization with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations;

Internationality in focus and membership.  The notion of "international organizations" has been interpreted broadly as encompassing regional and subregional organizations, as well as other organizations with demonstrated international expertise; 

Ability of the organization to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations at the session in view of the organization's recognized competence in the subject matter under consideration at the session and its role in representing a particular sector or industry;

Legal or commercial experience to be reported upon by the organization, which is not represented by other organizations already participating in the session.

The goal is to achieve in sum a balanced representation at the sessions of the major viewpoints or interests in the relevant fields in all areas and regions of the world, with the purpose of assisting UNCITRAL to formulate legal texts.  The status of a non-governmental organization with ECOSOC has not been a decisive factor in granting requests for invitations.

Procedures:

An interested organization meeting the above criteria may wish to send an official letter requesting to be invited to sessions of UNCITRAL or its particular working group(s) to the Secretary of UNCITRAL at uncitral@un.org. The letter should be on the organization's letterhead, signed by an authorised official of the organization, and demonstrate that the organization meets the eligibility criteria listed above. It should include a copy of, or a web link to, the statute of the organization or other official documents confirming the organization's legal personality and status as an NGO.