UN Committee adopts Vietnam-coordinated resolution on Model Law on Automated Contracting

The Model Law on Automated Contracting provides a legal framework enabling the use of automation in international contracts, through using artificial intelligence techniques, smart contracts and machine-to-machine transactions. It is intended to complement and supplement existing laws on electronic transactions.

The resolution, along with the Model Law, will be submitted to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for consideration and adoption in December.

Once adopted by the UNGA, the resolution mandates the UN Secretary-General to publish and widely disseminate the Model Law and its legislative guide. This will serve as a reference for countries to integrate the Model Law’s provisions into their domestic legal systems when enacting or amending laws on electronic commerce.

The resolution also calls on UN agencies, international organizations, and regional bodies to continue working with UNCITRAL in legal initiatives aimed at fostering uniformity and harmonization in the development of national laws on electronic commerce.

The Model Law on Automated Contracting represents a new effort by the UN to assist countries in modernizing their legal systems to address emerging challenges in trade, maximize the opportunities offered by automation and artificial intelligence in commercial transactions, and establish a fair and transparent legal framework for e-commerce.

Vietnam’s successful coordination in drafting the resolution highlights Vietnam’s proactive and substantive contribution as a member of UNCITRAL during the 2019–2025 term to the UN’s efforts in developing, harmonizing, and implementing international trade laws. It also played a key role in Vietnam’s re-election as a member of UNCITRAL for the 2025–2031 term, with a strong 175/183 votes in the election held on November 20.