Legal Networks meet in Bern, Switzerland

From 13 to 15 April 2026, the  annual meetings of the informal networks of the Legal Advisers of the specialized agencies and the related and other organizations of the United Nations System, of the Legal Advisers of the United Nations Offices, Funds and Programmes, were held in Bern, Switzerland. The Legal Counsel of the United Nations, Ms. Elinor Hammarskjöld, chaired the meetings. 

The purpose of the network meetings is to provide a forum for discussion of legal issues of common interest and concern to the Legal Advisers of the participating entities, to improve coordination and communication among the Legal Advisers and to promote system-wide legal coherence. 

Topics on this year’s agenda ranged from the impact of the financial crisis, legal issues in connection with the UN80 initiative, legal questions related to  contribution agreements, to the use of artificial intelligence. The networks also discussed legal aspects of current conflicts as well as steps to protect  privileges and immunities. 

The meetings were hosted by the Universal Postal Union, whose Director-General addressed the meeting