From 29 June to 10 July 2026, the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the United States.

The session focused on key topics, including the systemic reform of international investment dispute settlement mechanisms and procedures, digitalization of international commercial arbitration, and legislative exploration of digital assets and paperless trade.

The Commission finalized and adopted the UNCITRAL Supplementary Provisions on the Conduct of Proceedings to Resolve International Investment Disputes, along with guidance on the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in electronic form and the use of electronic arbitration notices. The draft Statute of the Advisory Centre on International Investment Dispute Resolution was also finalized and is set to be submitted to the UN General Assembly for adoption.

The Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (also known as the Greater Bay Area International Arbitration Center, hereinafter referred to as the "SCIA") participated as an observer to UNCITRAL Working Groups II and IV, and as an ad hoc observer to Working Group III, contributing to the development of international economic and trade rules.

Prior to the session, SCIA submitted professional opinions and recommendations to UNCITRAL on the draft Supplementary Provisions. After review, these written observations were compiled on the UNCITRAL official website for global reference and submitted for discussion during the session.

Compilation of observations on the draft UNCITRAL Supplementary Provisions on the Conduct of Proceedings to Resolve International Investment Disputes.

At the invitation of UNCITRAL, SCIA delegation members — arbitrators Li Lan, Zhang Guoping, and Wang Weisheng — attended the session in New York, where they considered various agenda items. They also took part in multiple side events supported by UNCITRAL, including seminars on cross-border insolvency regimes in EU countries, digital payments and e-commerce, and a breakfast meeting organized by the United Arab Emirates.

The delegation held in-depth exchanges with Ms. Anna Joubin-Bert, Secretary of UNCITRAL, and other delegates, sharing insights on international arbitration mechanisms and practical innovations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

SCIA arbitrators Zhang Guoping, Li Lan, and Wang Weisheng attended the session.

SCIA arbitrators exchanged views and posed for a group photo with Ms. Anna Joubin-Bert and delegates.