IBA Asia Pacific Arbitration Group Symposium: international arbitration in a fragmented world - geopolitics, sovereign immunity, and new paths to resolution

26 Aug 2026

Session information

Panel discussion three: ISDS mediation – a new frontier

Wednesday 26 August (1615 - 1715)

Description

As investment treaty arbitration faces growing scrutiny, mediation is increasingly discussed as a complementary or alternative dispute resolution mechanism in investor-state disputes. This panel will explore the recent rise in International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes conciliation cases, the emergence of new players, ongoing reform discussions within the UNCITRAL Working Group III and the potential role of mediation in resolving investment disputes. The discussion will also consider how mediation aligns with the objectives of the Singapore Convention
and the evolving landscape of investor-state dispute settlement.

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Huawei Sun Zhong Lun, Beijing, China; Asia Pacific Regional Forum Liaison Officer, Arbitration Committee

Speakers

Professor Teresa Cheng SC International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR
Anne-Karin Grill AKG ADVISORY Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, Vienna, Austria
George Lim Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), Singapore, Singapore
Lars Markert Nishimura & Asahi, Tokyo, Japan
Frauke Nitschke ICSID, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Michele Sonen Jus Mundi, Seoul, South Korea