International Arbitration and ADR - The Impact on the Rule of Law

The World Jurist Association is excited to announce a conference on International Arbitration and ADR - The Impact on the Rule of Law on April 5-7, 2011 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The World Jurist Association’s mission of fostering world peace through the Rule of Law necessarily encompasses a dialogue on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the many methods under this discipline. The most common methods, arbitration and mediation, have been used to resolve global conflicts between countries, commercial disputes between corporations, and in some countries, disputes between individuals. The U.S. Federal Government resource on ADR notes over 17 methods of ADR available to agencies within the government. For many years now the legal and judicial professions have recognized the growing prominence and value of ADR.

But this is not a road without obstacles. Questions regarding enforcement of arbitration decisions, independence of mediators and arbitrators, forums for ADR, etc. require a global dialogue on best practices and sharing of experiences. The World Jurist Association (WJA) is uniquely positioned to play an important role in this conversation. Our members, lawyers, judges, government officials and law professors share a commitment to peace through law. Our association has a proven track record of innovative and non-partisan dialogue on international law. Our conferences distinguish themselves by providing a different type of dialogue – one focused on bringing together ideas, creating an open dialogue, and fostering friendships.

Similarly, Mauritius, a small African nation, is emerging as a powerful resource for ADR. Although many of you may not be familiar with this beautiful island country, you soon will be. In recent years, Mauritius has begun investing in mediation and arbitration. On January 1, 2009, the new Mauritian International Arbitration Act came into force. This Act is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, as amended by UNCITRAL in 2006, and applies to all arbitrations commenced after January 1, 2009 (irrespective of the date when the relevant arbitration agreement was concluded). The Act has a specific focus on investment arbitration and is part of an effort by Mauritius to become an attractive jurisdiction for international arbitration of disputes involving Africa, South East Asia, India, China and Europe.