UNIDROIT is particularly aware of the importance of providing further opportunities for member and non-member States, academic institutions and individuals, to take full advantage of the activities of the Organisation and encourages their active participation in the legal harmonisation process. Special attention is given to the particular needs of developing countries and countries in economic transition.

For a list of UNIDROIT member States and information for prospective member States on how to become a member, see the Membership webpage.

Information providing the technical assistance States may need in implementing or using UNIDROIT instruments is available on the individual webpages referring to UNIDROIT Conventions, Model Laws, Principles, Guides, while the preparatory work on items on the Institute's Work Programme is available on the Work in Progress webpage.

The preparation of a draft Uniform Act on Contracts for the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), inspired by the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts, is a recent example of how Governments can benefit from a UNIDROIT instrument in the context of the modernisation of their laws.

The UNIDROIT Scholarships Programme offers training and research opportunities for top-level lawyers from developing countries or countries in economic transition. Contact person : Ms Frederique Mestre : f.mestre@unidroit.org