From the Co-Chairs – Construction Law International – April 2025

Dear ICP Committee Members,

Another quarter has passed, and we’re pleased to report that the IBA International Construction Projects Committee (ICP) remains as strong and vibrant as ever. Our commitment to advancing international construction law continues with full force.

The past few months have been particularly active for the ICP. From 27 to 29 March 2025, we hosted the 9th Biennial Conference on Construction Projects from Conception to Completion at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan, Italy.

The event was a resounding success, drawing more than 200 attendees. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The panels were thoughtfully structured and well-executed, and we had the pleasure of reconnecting in person during a memorable dinner at the iconic Palazzo Parigi. We were also pleased to welcome many newcomers to the ICP community and look forward to their continued integration into the group.

We also held our traditional Working Weekend, focused on welcoming new ICP members and strengthening our sense of community. This event, limited to 60 participants, took place this year in one of the world’s most beautiful cities: Rio de Janeiro. In addition to four panels organised by our subcommittees, we enjoyed two receptions, a seafood barbecue dinner, and a sightseeing tour that included visits to Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. We encourage everyone to apply for the 2026 edition – details to be announced soon.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to confirm that preparations are well underway for our substantive sessions and social events at the IBA Annual Conference, which will be held from 2 to 7 November 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. Moderators and speakers will be confirmed by July, and we’re working closely with our subcommittees to deliver another outstanding programme. A call for expressions of interest to speak at the Toronto sessions will be circulated to all ICP members shortly.

Our agenda for Toronto is as follows:

Monday 3 November

1430–1545: Financing mega construction projects

1615–1730: How cultural backgrounds impact the effectiveness of alliancing, partnering & collaborative contracts – and the disputes that arise

Wednesday 5 November

0930–1045: Contracting for projects relying on innovative technologies: do’s and don’ts

1430–1545: Risk allocation and force majeure revisited in the context of climate change and extreme weather

2000–2230: ICP Dinner

Thursday 6 November

1430–1545: Decarbonisation, climate resilience and regulatory change: designing, building and operating infrastructure under new realities

1615–1730:  ICP Business Meeting

Friday 7 November

0830–1400: ICP Excursion

As always, we look forward to reconnecting at the traditional ICP Dinner. In addition to the great food and camaraderie, this year’s dinner will feature the return of the in-person Hard Hat Ceremony, during which we’ll formally welcome incoming Co-Chairs Doug Oles and Aarta Alkarimi, along with our newly appointed officers and subcommittee chairs. And of course, the Friday excursion returns – stay tuned for details coming soon.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all ICP officers for their dedication and efforts. We look forward to seeing you all in Toronto.

Warm regards,

Júlio César Bueno
Pinheiro Neto Advogados, São Paulo
jbueno@pn.com.br

Virginie Colaiuta
LMS Legal, London
virginie.colaiuta@lmslex.com

Co-Chairs
IBA International Construction
Projects Committee