By expressing its readiness to host the Advisory Center on International Investment Dispute Resolution (the “Center”) to be established under the auspices of the United Nations, Armenia is taking a significant step toward becoming a regional hub for the development of international law. The Center is designed to assist states – particularly developing and least developed countries – in more effectively managing and resolving investment disputes.
The initiative to establish the Advisory Center was launched and is being developed within the framework of the reform efforts of Working Group III on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), in which Armenia is actively engaged through the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hosting the Center in Armenia would position the country as an important platform for international legal cooperation – bringing together leading experts in the field, promoting regional partnerships, and creating new opportunities for economic development. Armenia’s strategic geographic location and its wide network of diplomatic ties further strengthen its suitability as a host country.
As a demonstration of its commitment to this initiative, Armenia hosted the Second Operationalization Meeting of the Advisory Center from May 6 to 8, 2025, in Yerevan, bringing together representatives of numerous countries and international organizations to discuss and shape the structure and foundational operations of the Center. It is worth noting that the first operationalization meeting of the Advisory Center took place in December 2024 in Thailand, which – along with several other countries – has also expressed interest in hosting the Center.
Armenia remains fully committed to actively participating in UNCITRAL’s reform process, and to supporting efforts that promote transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the international investment dispute settlement system.
