Speaker details

Biography

Martina Polasek was appointed Secretary-General of ICSID in 2024. In this role, she leads a diverse team of over 70 legal, finance, and information technology specialists at the world’s leading institution for resolving international investment disputes. As a Vice-President of the World Bank Group, Ms. Polasek also works with the WBG’s senior management team to ensure the five institutions of the Bank—IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID—work in concert to achieve the WBG’s vision and mission. With over 25 years of experience in the field of international investment law and dispute settlement, Ms. Polasek frequently speaks and publishes on this exceptionally dynamic area of international law. Prior to assuming the role of Secretary-General, Ms. Polasek served as Deputy-Secretary General and Team Leader/Senior Legal Counsel at ICSID. A dual Czech and Swedish citizen, she is fluent in Czech, Swedish, French, and English.