Uma Sekhar, the first Indian woman, was elected to the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). The elections for the Governing Council of UNIDROIT were held on 14 December 2023 in Rome, the capital of Italy. This is a big victory for India on the international stage.

First Indian woman on UNIDROIT Governing Council:

Uma Sekhar became the first Indian woman to hold a position on the Governing Council of the prestigious Rome-based organisation.
This achievement became even more significant for India when candidates from Russia, the US and China failed to obtain any post on the Governing Council.
The announcement of Uma Sekhar's victory has enhanced India's prestige in the world of international law.

32 contestants participated in the UNIDROIT elections:

The much-awaited elections featured 32 contestants from several countries, including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and France. Uma Sekhar won in the first round with 45 votes out of 59. Uma Sekhar's victory underlines the overwhelming support she received from member states.
The threshold required to secure a position on the Governing Council was 21 votes. It highlights the substantial mandate and confidence given to India's candidate.
India will be a member of this Governing Council for four years (2024-28).

About UNIDROIT:

UNIDROIT was initially established in 1926 as a part of the League of Nations.
The institute was later re-established under the UNIDROIT statute in 1940 after the dissolution of the League of Nations.
UNIDROIT, an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Rome, Italy.
UNIDROIT focuses on promoting uniformity in commercial law globally.

Objectives of UNIDROIT:

UNIDROIT aims to study ways of modernising, harmonising and coordinating private, especially commercial, law between states and groups of states.

Membership of UNIDROIT:

Its membership is limited to states that accept the UNIDROIT statute.
The organisation has 65 member countries from different continents, each reflecting diverse legal, economic, political systems and cultural backgrounds.