Uncitral Day For Arab States 2024 Hosted At Middlesex University Dubai
- Wednesday, 20 November 2024
On Saturday, 9 November 2024, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai had the privilege of hosting a UAE edition of the first UNCITRAL Day for Arab States initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
The event brought together key figures from the legal, academic, and policy sectors across the region to engage in discussions on the future of international arbitration. The UNCITRAL Day for Arab States is part of a global initiative by UNCITRAL aimed at promoting dialogue and improving the legal frameworks for international trade and arbitration.
The first panel examined the transparency vs confidentiality dilemma in arbitration, where speakers explored the delicate balance between fostering transparency in arbitration and maintaining the confidentiality needed for sensitive disputes. In that context, the UNCITRAL Transparency Standards, which are celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2024, have been highlighted as a sound example for enhancing transparency in treaty-based investor-state arbitrations, to tackle the concerns surrounding Investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS).
The standards that are being considered or have been implemented in various states in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, also paved the way for the ongoing work by UNCITRAL Working Group III on ISDS reform.
The second panel provided a detailed explanation of the new UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators, outlining its essential obligations and how it aims to standardise ethical standards in the field. An exchange of views on different possible means of implementation of this soft law instrument ensued.
The discussions were enriched by the contributions of prominent speakers and leaders of key institutions, including Yaochen Gong, Legal Officer, UNCITRAL secretariat; Nikola Kovacikova, Associate Legal Officer, UNCITRAL secretariat; Fatima Balfaqeeh, Managing Partner at Balfaqeeh Advocates & Legal Consultants; Professor Giovanni Zara, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells; Christian Alberti, Chief of ADR and General Counsel of the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration; Kristin Campbell-Wilson, Executive Director, Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre; Sherif Akl, Director of the International Chamber of Commerce; and Ezzeddine Baassiri, Founder & Managing Partner, Baassiri Law Firm, Counsel, Lebanese Arbitration and Mediation Centre.
Yasmin Sebah, Senior Law Lecturer at MDX Dubai, said: “With arbitration being increasingly utilised as a preferred method of dispute resolution for international investment and commercial agreements across the region, the UNCITRAL Day for Arab States at Middlesex University Dubai could not have been timelier.
“It was fascinating to discuss the fine art of balancing transparency and confidentiality in arbitration, and why we need to develop adaptable frameworks that build trust while safeguarding sensitive interests. The UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and its efforts to uphold ethics and professionalism was another key focus of the event, leaving all attendees with new insights, enriched knowledge, and fresh perspectives on the complexities of arbitration."
Professor Tenia Kyriazi, Deputy Director of Teaching & Learning, Law and Sciences Head of Law and Politics at MDX Dubai, said: “It was an honour to host the UAE UNCITRAL Day for Arab States here at Middlesex University Dubai. UNCITRAL’s initiatives have long been instrumental in enhancing legal certainty and stability for cross-border transactions, which are crucial for economic growth in the Arab region.
“This was an outstanding event that truly reflected our commitment to providing quality education to our students within and beyond the classroom and empowering them to lead fulfilling and successful careers.
“The event provided our students with a valuable opportunity to engage with leading experts, gain insights into contemporary legal challenges, and explore potential career paths in international trade and arbitration. We want to express our gratitude to UNCITRAL for partnering with us and to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the distinguished speakers, partners and students who contributed to the day’s engaging discussions.”
MDX Dubai is committed to offering high quality education, through its engaging and up-to-date curriculum, as well as exposing students to employers and supporting them to develop skills that will empower them to be successful professionals, and lead fulfilling careers.
