Rome, 4 July 2024 – The third edition of the International Programme for Law and Cooperation (IPLD) of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit) ended with a solemn ceremony at the historic headquarters of Villa Aldobrandini in Rome. The event featured the participation of illustrious guests and representatives of the diplomatic missions of the countries involved.
This years edition involved 18 participants, including judges, public prosecutors and legislative drafters, coming from 15 African countries (Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Mauritius, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Somalia), in a process of sharing knowledge and learning about international private and commercial law practices. The main objective was to promote cultural exchange to strengthen peaceful relations between states and communities. The program was financed by the General Directorate for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (DGCS-MAECI), as part of the initiatives with Africa.
Professor Maria Chiara Malaguti, President of Unidroit, welcomed the participants and introduced the speakers, expressing Unidroit ‘s gratitude to the Ministry: « At the close of a 3rd successful edition, now is the time to express our gratitude to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for its continued and unwavering support to this Programme. To us it represents an acknowledgement of just how much value Unidroit instruments, and legal unification in general, can contribute to the processes of integration and development that are key to reaching the goals on the 2030 Agenda”.
The Hon. Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reiterated the importance of the African continent for Italy: « The African continent is a key priority for Italy. The complexity of current global challenges requires greater effort to create new and better forms of cooperation between Italy, Europe and Africa. Africa is the youngest continent in the world. It is known to everyone that Italy launched the ‘Mattei Plan for Africa’ at the Summit Italy-Africa held in Rome in January. Our commitment, together with Unidroit, arises from our determination to actively contribute to the development of skills and leadership in the legal field in Africa. »
The Ambassador of South Africa and President of the UNIDROIT General Assembly, Nosipho Nausca-Jean Ngcaba, underlined the importance of expanding the network of member countries and awareness of the value of Unidroittools: « It is important to expand the network of member countries and the awareness that Unidroit tools can allow the African continent to truly develop its capabilities, thanks also to the young professionals whose IPLD allows not only to train but also to develop a network of contacts: these aspects are fundamental to build peace and development on our continent. »
Professor Ignacio Tirado. The Secretary General of Unidroit concluded the panel of interventions, underlining how the IPLD Program promotes international collaboration by improving mutual understanding: “Unidroit instruments can make a difference in Africa, which is why strengthening our ties with the legal community of the region remains a strategic target for Unidroit. Strong private law frameworks can be a game changer and facilitate steady, sustainable economic growth, unleashing the extraordinary potential of African countries. Like the previous two editions, we are proud to have created the opportunity for an enriching exchange with yet another group of excellent African jurists, who will join the ever-growing community of Unidroit ambassadors facilitated by this Programme”.
The event concluded with the delivery of certificates, marking an important stage in the professional career of the participants. Maria Teresa Iaquinta, Director of the IPLD-UNIDROIT Program, invited the participants who received the certificates from Professor Anna Veneziano, Deputy General Secretary of UNIDROIT and from the Minister Plenipotentiary Marco Giungi, Head of Unit for Global Processes and International Organizations of the DGCS- MAECI underlining the close collaboration between the MAECI and UNIDROIT in support of the unification of private law as a fundamental part of the SDGs.
For more information: ipld@unidroit.org