About UNIEF

United E-Commerce Federation - UNIEF

The United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF) is an international, non-profit organisation registered in Geneva, Switzerland and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Our Foundation

It brings together national e-commerce associations, public institutions, companies, and civil society organisations to support the development of fair, inclusive, and sustainable digital trade around the world.

UNIEF serves as a multi-stakeholder platform, facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and shared standards across regions and economic sectors.
Its aim is not to regulate, but to connect, coordinate, and strengthen the organisations shaping digital commerce.

Our Purpose

E-commerce has become a global common space, yet its rules, expectations, and practices vary widely across countries. UNIEF exists to help bridge these gaps by:

Supporting policy dialogue between governments and industry.

Promoting international principles and good practices.

Strengthening the capacity of SMEs, entrepreneurs, and associations.

Advancing ethical and responsible use of technology and AI and encouraging cross-border cooperation in digital trade

Supporting policy dialogue between governments and industry.

Promoting international principles and good practices.

Strengthening the capacity of SMEs, entrepreneurs, and associations.

Advancing ethical and responsible use of technology and AI and encouraging cross-border cooperation in digital trade.

UNIEF provides a neutral, trusted platform where stakeholders can work toward more predictable, transparent, and human-centred digital markets.

Our Approach

Three Core Commitments

1

Inclusiveness

Representing a diverse ecosystem, associations, SMEs, global companies, public agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.

2

Neutrality

As a Swiss-based federation, UNIEF maintains institutional independence and serves as a non-political, non-commercial forum.

3

Practical Cooperation

UNIEF focuses on actionable outcomes, including shared principles, joint initiatives, training, and reliable data, rather than abstract declarations.

1

Inclusiveness

Representing a diverse ecosystem, associations, SMEs, global companies, public agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.

2

Neutrality

As a Swiss-based federation, UNIEF maintains institutional independence and serves as a non-political, non-commercial forum.

3

Practical Cooperation

UNIEF focuses on actionable outcomes, including shared principles, joint initiatives, training, and reliable data, rather than abstract declarations.

Our Network

Connected Global Ecosystem

UNIEF's strength comes from its members and partners: national e-commerce associations, regional trade bodies, public institutions, private-sector organisations, knowledge partners, and digital-economy stakeholders.

By bringing these groups together, UNIEF works to build a connected and cooperative global digital ecosystem.

How We Work

Three Main Pillars

Pillar 1

Policy & Advocacy

Facilitating dialogue on digital trade, SME growth, consumer protection, AI, payments, and logistics.

Pillar 2

Standards & Best Practices

Developing voluntary principles and sector guidelines to support trust, sustainability, and transparency.

Pillar 3

Capacity Building & Training

Offering knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and support for associations, SMEs, and emerging markets.

Pillar 1

Policy & Advocacy

Facilitating dialogue on digital trade, SME growth, consumer protection, AI, payments, and logistics.

Pillar 2

Standards & Best Practices

Developing voluntary principles and sector guidelines to support trust, sustainability, and transparency.

Pillar 3

Capacity Building & Training

Offering knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and support for associations, SMEs, and emerging markets.

These pillars help ensure that digital trade grows in a way that is equitable, responsible, and globally coherent.