Dubai: Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), stated that the UAE’s proposal to create a model law for digital trade and digital platforms signifies an important move toward establishing a global legal framework that promotes trust and innovation in the digital economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, Joubin-Bret highlighted that the proposal is well-received due to the UAE’s advanced digital economy and its prominent role in e-commerce and digital trade. The UAE is recognized as a regional and global hub, serving multiple countries and regions. She shared these insights during the UAE Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms in Dubai.
The initiative was conceived following the UAE’s submission at the 67th session of UNCITRAL Working Group IV in Vienna in November 2024. The UAE’s digital commerce law was presented as a potential model for reference. The proposal garnered support from Spain and was officially endorsed by UNCITRAL last July.
Joubin-Bret acknowledged the challenges of drafting digital trade laws amidst rapid technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools. These developments necessitate flexible regulations that ensure legal certainty while not being tied to any specific technology. UNCITRAL, she explained, has consistently embraced the principle of technological neutrality in its e-commerce efforts to maintain the relevance of laws as technology advances.
She emphasized the significance of the global summit as a vital platform for shaping the future legal framework of digital trade and enhancing international cooperation.