Israeli candidate Yael Weiner has been elected Chair of the Council on General Affairs and Policy (CGAP) of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) on Thursday, March 5. This marks the first time that an Israeli representative will lead this important governing body of the organization.
Weiner was elected by a large majority of the HCCH’s Member States, following a multi-month diplomatic process led by the Israeli Embassy in The Hague in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Justice.
During the meeting, a small group of countries—including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, and Spain—proposed postponing the vote. A large majority of Member States rejected this proposal, after which the election proceeded by secret ballot, resulting in clear support for Weiner.
Weiner currently serves as Vice-Chair of the CGAP and has been closely involved in the organization’s work for many years. She was the sole candidate for the position and is widely regarded within the organization as a highly experienced expert in international legal cooperation.
Founded in 1893, the Hague Conference on Private International Law today counts around 90 Member States. The organization develops international legal frameworks that facilitate cooperation between countries on cross-border legal matters, including international family law cases and other forms of judicial and administrative assistance.
The Council on General Affairs and Policy serves as the principal governing body of the HCCH, overseeing the organization’s activities and determining its strategic direction and work programme.
Weiner’s election reflects the confidence of Member States in her leadership, solid knowledge, and extensive experience, as well as her long-standing commitment to the work of the HCCH.
