International cooperation in the legal sphere is essential for preserving peace and promoting security, prosperity and the rule of law. Major cross-cutting issues such as the protection of human rights and the environment, food and cyber security, the development of international trade and the protection of investment necessarily require a systematic and comprehensive approach.
In addition to its role in the multilateral governance outlined by the United Nations, the European Union and other regional bodies, Italy maintains a solid presence within international technical-legal organisations that pursue the harmonisation and unification of private international law, often at the origin of international instruments, including international conventions, model-laws, general principles and guidelines.
In particular, since 1926 Italy has been home to the headquarters of the prestigious International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and, besides contributing to the work of the Institute, it actively participates in the legislative work carried out by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). Within these forums, the Service for Legal Affairs, Diplomatic Disputes and International Treaties promotes Italy’s objectives and interests through delegates and national experts designated by the Administrations, with the support of Embassies and Permanent Representations.