Third Mediation Roundtable to launch 11th ICC International Commercial Mediation Week

The forum brings together some of the world’s most elite names in the field. Each will also participate in the 11th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition taking place from 5-10 February 2016.

A total of 66 university teams and over 130 professionals will participate in this year’s Mediation Week. The diverse group joins together participants representing more than 43 countries, from Colombia to Belarus in ICC’s largest educational event of the year.

Keeping pace with mediation developments

The enriching and exciting week unfolds with great energy as the 3rd ICC International Mediation Roundtable sets the tone for the remaining six days. The global assembly is a unique chance for professionals to discuss the most pertinent topics in commercial mediation around the world.

“This event is probably one of the greatest meeting points, if not the best meeting point, for professionals. It is both a form of continued education and a networking opportunity that helps in building your image as an international mediator,” said Thierry Garby, both a mediator and trainer who has taken part in each Competition since its inception in 2006.

Spela Kosak, Manager of the ICC International Centre for ADR, the body that administers the ICC Mediation Rules said: “In gathering some of the best and most experienced mediators, we hope to generate dynamic discussions and bring greater attention to this alternative form of dispute resolution. The ICC International Mediation Roundtable has shown great success over the last two years and we hope to continue this kind of high-level interactive dialogue in the future.”

This event is probably one of the greatest meeting points, if not the best meeting point, for professionals. It is both a form of continued education and a networking opportunity that helps in building your image as an international mediator.

Dedicated experts

Following the conclusion of the Roundtable, professionals will volunteer their time to the prestigious Mediation Competition. Some will act as mediators, making use of their own professional experience in resolving cross-border disputes to aid student teams as they compete in 147 mock cases throughout the week; while others take on the role of judges, assessing each team’s negotiating and problem-solving skills and their ability to make good use of the mediator.

“The competition is great because all the cases are real and the student’s preparation for these cases is real as well. They are facing people who are the top mediators in the world – not just people who are teaching them, but real professionals who are trying to involve them in their way of acting,” said Birgit Sambeth Glasner, a mediator and judge for the Competition since 2009 who also was a past coach for the University of Fribourg.

First timers join diverse gathering

Although students are only permitted to compete once, many universities re-apply every year to be a part of this reputable event. The 11th edition of the Mediation Week includes 12 new universities, such as the University of Oxford from the United Kingdom and six new countries will be represented, including Japan.

This event would not be possible without the generous contribution of corporate sponsors and supporters. ICC would like to expressly thank headline sponsor, KPMG, and the main supporting firm Clifford Chance as well as other top-level sponsors.

Stay informed of all the latest updates throughout Mediation Week on Twitter @ICCMediation and Facebook using the hashtag #ICCMW.