(Commonwealth_ The International ADR Centre, Sri Lanka (IADRC) hosted its annual ‘Regional Alternative Dispute Resolution Symposium 2024’ from May 13 to 15. This significant event was organized in collaboration with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The symposium saw the participation of various members of the legal community, law students from Sri Lanka, and experts from regional ADR centers across Asia, including representatives from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Maldives, Malaysia, Mumbai, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand.
The event featured resource persons of high repute, including judges from the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and representatives from leading international law firms such as White & Case, Norton Rose Fulbright, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, and The Chambers in Washington, DC. The symposium covered critical topics within the arbitration regime. Among these were the choice of arbitration seat, the venue and governing law, and the judiciary’s role in arbitrations. Justice Janak de Silva of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka delivered a keynote address on these subjects.
Another focal point of the symposium was the enforcement of arbitration awards, particularly under the New York Convention. Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere, also of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, gave a keynote address discussing how the concept of ‘public policy’ has been interpreted within domestic laws of various countries. The symposium also explored the use of arbitration and mediation for resolving commercial disputes, emphasizing the evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on ADR processes. This segment included insights on the Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center (SVAMC) Guidelines on the use of AI in arbitrations, presented by Benjamin Malek, who chairs the SVAMC AI Task Force Guidelines drafting sub-committee.
On May 16, the foreign delegates visited the International ADR Centre at the World Trade Centre in Colombo. This visit involved discussions on best practices for arbitration proceedings and the roles of regional centers in maintaining high standards to ensure efficient service delivery. The dialogue aimed to foster the sharing of experiences and strategies to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of ADR services in the region.
A significant outcome of the symposium was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) by the IADRC. The first MoU was with the Maldives International Arbitration Centre, and the second with the Legal Aid Society of Pakistan through its flagship project, the Musaliha International Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution. These MoUs represent a commitment to cooperation in promoting ADR programs, including arbitration, mediation, and other ADR services. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of these institutions in delivering high-quality dispute resolution services and expanding the reach and impact of ADR mechanisms across the respective countries.
The symposium underscored the importance of regional cooperation in ADR and highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of arbitration and mediation practices. It provided a platform for legal professionals, scholars, and ADR practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions, share knowledge, and explore new developments and trends in the field. The inclusion of AI in ADR processes was a particularly timely topic, reflecting the increasing relevance of technology in legal practice and the ongoing efforts to integrate innovative solutions to improve efficiency and outcomes in dispute resolution.
Overall, the Regional Alternative Dispute Resolution Symposium 2024 by the IADRC marked a significant step forward in fostering regional collaboration and advancing the practice of ADR in Asia. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, the symposium facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and laid the groundwork for future partnerships and initiatives aimed at strengthening the arbitration and mediation landscape in the region.
