Berlin in the international notarial spotlight: the UINL Institutional Meetings and the 31st World Congress of the International Union of Notaries

While delegates from 92 member notariats worldwide will be travelling to Berlin for the traditional meetings of various committees, working groups and other bodies during the institutional meetings, the International Congress of Notaries is open to all interested parties and, as always, dedicated to a current topic relevant to the notarial profession. The institutional meetings and the congress provide a great opportunity for notaries from all over the world to meet and exchange ideas and are thus traditionally very popular. The German capital can therefore look forward to welcoming more than 1,000 participants this autumn.

The UINL: A strong network of Latin type notaries

The International Union of Notaries (UINL) is the international umbrella organisation for notarial professional organisations of the Latin type notarial system. Its foundation in Buenos Aires in 1948 on the occasion of the First International Congress of the Latin Notariat marked the beginning of successful international cooperation. Today, the UINL unites 92 member notariats on four continents. The Latin type notarial system, whose roots lie in Roman civil law, is a defining feature of the legal systems of many countries worldwide, particularly in continental Europe. It is characterised by the notary as an independent and neutral holder of a public office in the preventive administration of justice. In this important function, notaries guarantee the protection of the interests of citizens, companies and society at large. The UINL has set itself the goal of strengthening the fundamental principles and the undeniable added value of the Latin type notarial system at an international level. It enables and fosters the cooperation of and the exchange between notaries worldwide and thereby contributes to the consolidation and further development of the entire notarial profession. The UINL also serves to voice its members' common positions when dealing with international organisations, such as the OECD, the World Bank or the United Nations.

‘The notarial profession on the move’: A key topic with future significance

The overarching theme of the upcoming World Congress in Berlin will be ‘The notarial profession on the move | New technologies – New roles’. This topic reflects the dynamic challenges and opportunities that notaries are facing in an increasingly digitised world. Participants can look forward to inspiring expert discussions and a valuable exchange on two central sub-themes:

• Theme I: ‘New Tools | New frontiers: Notaries at the heart of a digital system for the future’
  This sub-theme, which is chaired by Bundesnotarkammer, highlights the crucial role of notaries in the age of digitalisation. It will reflect on how new technologies can be used effectively to optimise the work of notaries by finding legally compliant solutions to the legal and technical challenges of the future, thereby positioning the notarial profession as a key player in a sustainable digital legal system.
   
• Theme II: ‘Non-contentious proceedings: New roles at the service of the public’
  This second sub-theme is dedicated to the growing importance of non-contentious jurisdictions and the expanded tasks that notaries can take on in the service of citizens. Innovative approaches and best practices will be discussed, showing how notaries can make an even greater contribution to efficient and citizen-oriented public legal services in this area.

On the final third day of the congress, there will also be a forum entitled ‘The Values of Continental Law - Protection, Prevention, Pacification’, which will focus on contributions and discussions on the added values of the preventive administration of justice provided by notaries as holders of a public office.

More than just expert discussions: A diverse sightseeing programme

In addition to the ambitious and varied topical programme, participants can look forward to a diverse sightseeing programme that offers the opportunity to get to know the fascinating metropolis and its surroundings. Four different excursions, both half-day and full-day options, are available:

• The exclusive ‘Berlin Classics’ city tour promises historical insights combined with culinary delights and a delicious finale on the gourmet floor of the world-famous KaDeWe.
   
• The tour ‘Berlin's vibrant art and culture scene’ takes participants to the creative heart of the city, with stops at attractions such as the Fotografiska, the Hackesche Höfe or the Humboldt Forum, while also offering a relaxing water taxi ride on the Spree.
   
• For lovers of historic vehicles, the ‘Trabi Safari’ offers an unforgettable journey through time in East and West Berlin.
   
• A full-day excursion takes participants to Potsdam, where they can explore the magnificent Sanssouci Palace and enjoy a scenic boat trip on the waterways before the tour ends at the idyllic Wannsee.

Just like the various excursions available, the evening programme also promises unforgettable impressions. As part of the institutional meetings, a cocktail reception at the James Simon Gallery on the famous Museum Island will kick off the event, followed by a festive gala dinner at the Jewish Museum, the largest Jewish museum in Europe. Congress participants can look forward to a stylish cocktail reception at the InterContinental Hotel and a varied and atmospheric final evening in the traditional Arminius Market Hall, a restored market hall dating back to 1891, where numerous stalls offer a culinary tour of German and international cuisine.

Berlin once again at the centre of the notariat

After the International Congress of Notaries already being hosted in Berlin in 1995, the special event now returns to the German capital. The choice of Berlin emphasises the importance of Germany and its notarial system within the international community. With a high-level topical agenda, a varied sightseeing programme and the expected participation of numerous international experts, the 31^st International Congress of Notaries in Berlin promises to be an interesting and inspiring event not only for notaries and notary candidates, but also for notarial staff, students and anyone interested in notarial topics. Find out more and secure your tickets at: https://www.uinlberlin2025.com/en.

About the author

Dr. Julia Mainka is a notary candidate in the district of the Rhenish Chamber of Notaries and works as a legal advisor in the Brussels office of the German Federal Chamber of Notaries.