Editors introduction to the Elgar companion to the HCCH

Abstract

Founded in 1893, the HCCH is the oldest international organisation in The Hague. For more than 125 years, the Organisation has been, and continues to be, a shining example of the tangible benefits effective and successful multilateralism can yield for people and business around the globe. With this Companion, we set out to provide a unique, unprecedented and comprehensive insight into the HCCH, compiling in one source accessible and thought-provoking contributions on the Organisation’s work. Written by some of the world’s leading private international lawyers, all of whom have directly or indirectly worked closely with the HCCH, the result is a collection of innovative and reflective contributions, which we believe will inform shaping the future of this important global institution. In the first Foreword to this Companion, the current Secretary General of the HCCH, Dr Christophe Bernasconi, elegantly captured the value of the contributions for the future development of private international law. For the Secretary General to make this observation is significant: the HCCH is the premier international organisation mandated to help achieve global consensus on the private international law rules regulating cross-border personal and commercial relationships. We are grateful for his support of this project.