Jon Stojan
Maria Chiara Malaguti, the first woman to hold the prestigious position of President at UNIDROIT
From a young age, Maria Chiara Malaguti knew she wanted to make an impact on the world. Her insatiable curiosity, which she attributes as the key to her success, led her on a dynamic journey through law, economics, academia, and international governance. Today, she stands as the first woman to hold the prestigious role of President at UNIDROIT (The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law), an organisation dedicated to developing uniform laws for private sectors worldwide.
Her journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in international law began with her education. After graduating in both Law and Economics from the University of Bologna, followed by an LLM from the famed Harvard Law School and a Ph.D. from the European University Institute of Florence, Maria Chiara was determined to broaden her understanding of how the world operates—legally, economically, and socially.
In her early career, Maria Chiara practised law at a major American law firm, focusing on antitrust cases for large, high-profile clients. However, despite excelling in her legal practice, she realised that her career needed to align with a broader sense of purpose.
“I quickly understood that being a lawyer wasn’t enough for me. I was drawn to the bigger picture, to issues that mattered not just to a few individuals or corporations, but to society as a whole,” she shares. This realisation spurred her transition into academia and advisory roles for international organisations, including the European Central Bank (ECB) and the World Bank.
Throughout her career, this trailblazer has demonstrated a remarkable flexibility and curiosity that drove her to work in varied and global contexts—from Italy to Luxembourg, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Rome. These shifts allowed her to experience different facets of governance, legal regulation, and academic thought, providing her with a well-rounded perspective.
Her curiosity was not only a key to her personal growth but also a trait that defined her leadership style. It has constantly given Maria Chiara the flexibility to adapt to different challenges and the resilience to find solutions. This adaptability has shaped her career up until now and is the reason why she has been able to succeed in such diverse fields.
In 2020, Maria Chiara’s long-standing dedication to global governance and legal reform culminated in her appointment as the President of UNIDROIT, marking a historic moment as the first woman to hold this prestigious position. The role allows her to bridge her passion for law, economics, and public good, all while influencing policy on a global scale.
At UNIDROIT, this visionary is focused on advancing initiatives that enhance sustainability, access to finance, and international cooperation. She works alongside the government and the private sector, pushing for innovative solutions to legal and financial issues. “We might not be working on the big headlines like war or immigration,” she explains, further saying, “What we do behind the scenes—reducing legal obstacles, facilitating access to finance, and ensuring sustainability—is just as critical to global stability.”
Her leadership is driven not only by her expertise but also by her desire to inspire future generations, particularly women. Having taught in Italy, where she witnessed firsthand the limited ambitions many young women held due to societal expectations, she has dedicated herself to empowering women to dream bigger and follow their own paths.
In her words, “What I would tell women at any level is to first understand what you really want—not what others expect of you, but what you truly desire. Curiosity is a personal exercise, and everyone should play according to their attitude. Success comes from knowing yourself and being brave enough to pursue your own path, regardless of how unconventional it might seem.”
As Maria Chiara looks toward the future, she remains driven by her original goal: to create meaningful change in the world. Over the next five to ten years, she hopes to continue influencing global governance through her leadership at UNIDROIT or global governance, while also fostering diversity and multilateral cooperation in international law.
Ultimately, Maria Chiara’s story is not just one of professional success but one of relentless curiosity, flexibility, and determination. Through her varied career, she has shown that true leadership comes from the willingness to explore new ideas, embrace change, and pursue one’s own unique vision.
Her motto has always been and will always remain: “Be curious, be bold, and most importantly, know who you are.”
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Name: Maria Chiara Malaguti
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