Programme

5:15PM – 9:30PM

26th ICCA Congress Opening Ceremony
sponsored by Dubai International Arbitration Centre

Registration

26th ICCA Congress Opening Ceremony

Opening Cocktail Reception

Venue: 3/F, Grand Ballroom, Rosewood Hong Kong

Dress code: Business attire

7:15AM – 9:15AM

Sponsored Breakfast Seminar
- Beijing International Arbitration Center

(Click here for more details)

Venue: Renaissance Harbour View Hotel

Sponsored Breakfast Seminar
– Kim & Chang & Debevoise & Plimpton

(Click here for more details)

Venue: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

7:45 – 8:15 am : Registration and Breakfast
8:15 – 9:15 am : Seminar
(Followed by networking session)

9:30AM – 10:45AM

Morning – Session 1

Panel 1

Welcome Remarks

Justin D'Agostino MH

Dr Stanimir Alexandrov

Lise Bosman

Young ICCA Co-chairs: Eva Chan, Shirin Gurdova, Rohit Bhat

Programme Overview

Chiann Bao and Audley Sheppard KC

Keynote Address: Unveiling the Human Dimensions of International Arbitration: Dealing in Virtue Then and Now

Prof Bryant G Garth

Comment

Prof Chin Leng Lim

Venue: 1/F, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dress code: Business attire

10:45AM – 11:15AM

Coffee Break

11:15AM – 12:30PM

Morning – Session 2

Panel 2: The Arbitrator

The panel will consider what it means to be an arbitrator entrusted to dispense arbitral justice. Is judging and arbitrating the same? Has the role of arbitrator changed? Have arbitrators become technocrats? What extraneous factors most influence arbitrators? Is there an ideal personality type for an arbitrator? One or three? What is expected of an arbitrator by users? To what extent does it matter to have a person rather than a machine decide disputes?

Speakers: Hon Justice Mimmie Chan, Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS, V K Rajah SC
Commentators: Aisha Abdallah, Chris Campbell, Elliott Geisinger
Rapporteur: Prof João Ilhão Moreira

Venue: 1/F, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

12:30PM – 2:00PM

Lunch

(Available at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre)

2:00PM – 3:15PM

Afternoon – Session 1

Panel 3: Decision-Making and Biases

The panel will explore the intricacies of decision-making in international arbitration. Is decision-making a science or art? Do arbitrators approach decision-making differently from judges? Should arbitrators adhere strictly to the traditional judicial doctrine of impartiality, or is a more nuanced perspective warranted? Is nationality still a relevant barometer for independence and impartiality? How profound is the impact of an arbitrator’s personal background on rulings? How do values influence decision-making? The speakers will endeavour to shed light on the various dynamics shaping arbitrators' decisions and influencing case outcomes.

Moderator: Patricia Saiz González
Speakers: Sheila Ahuja, Prof Stavros Brekoulakis, Prof Rachel Cahill-O'Callaghan, Dr Henry Forbes Smith KC, Hon Judge Dominique Hascher

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Panel 4: Sociology and Education

The panel will examine the organisation, structure, and change of participants and institutions in international arbitration, and the effect that education plays. Speakers will address: the key sociological frameworks and associated empirical data; compare dispute resolution approaches in China, the 'west' and other systems; and explore why arbitration is less attractive in some jurisdictions. The panel will also consider the impact of the proliferation of specialised degrees, the increased democratisation of access to arbitration know-how, and the challenge of training advocates and arbitrators whilst at the same time preserving cultural and legal differences.

Moderator: Prof Julian DM Lew KC
Speakers: Ginta Ahrel, Prof Kun Fan, Prof Joshua Karton, Nudrat B. Majeed, Jonathan Wood

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

3:15PM – 3:45PM

Coffee Break

3:45PM – 5:00PM

Afternoon – Session 2

Panel 5: Judging the New York Convention

The panel will discuss the interpretation and application of the New York Convention by courts and the role of judges and practitioners. The discussion will include questions of consistency and uniformity, public policy reflecting societal interests and arbitrability issues in different jurisdictions, and the impact of local legal cultures. The speakers will reflect on the visionaries and influencers who have shaped the NYC.

Moderator: Prof Andrés Jana
Speakers: The Hon Judge Fatima Faisal Hubail, The Hon Justice Judith Prakash, The Hon Judge Xi Xiangyang
Commentators: Lindsay Gastrell, Barton Legum, Guled Yusuf
Rapporteur: Shirin Gurdova

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Panel 6: Culture, Localisation and Regionalism

Individuals fashion the culture of international arbitration, often in their own image. This session will explore how the professional and personal background of participants in the system affect procedure, advocacy and outcomes, attitudes to foreign law and fact-finding. Are we seeing arbitration conducted in different ways in different parts of the world? Does the harmonization of processes enhance understanding and effectiveness or mask misunderstanding? How can greater cultural sensitivity and competence be achieved?

Moderator: Evgeniya Goriatcheva
Speakers: Prof Mohamed S Abdel Wahab, Prof Giorgio F Colombo, Prof Won Kidane, Fei Lu, Ruth Teitelbaum

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

5:00PM – 5:20PM

Afternoon – Session 3

Panel 7:

Launch of the 2nd Edition of ICCA’s Guide to the Interpretation of the 1958 New York Convention

with Prof Albert Jan van den Berg and Erica Stein

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

8:15AM – 9:15AM

Sponsored Breakfast Seminar
– Sidley Austin

(The event is now full and please register to be added to the waitlist.)
(Click here for more details.)

Venue: The American Club

Sponsored Breakfast Seminar
– Shanghai International Arbitration Center

(Click here for more details)

Venue: The St. Regis Hong Kong

9:30AM – 10:45AM

Morning – Session 1

Panel 8: The Advocate

What makes an effective advocate? Is there a universal ideal? What does the science of the human brain tell us about how persuasion works, and can advocates harness that science? Can advocacy in media, politics or other endeavours provide lessons? What tools or innovations can advocates draw upon? The panel will consider how human qualities, including creativity and fallibility, can shape and inspire the advocate, and will provide pragmatic tips for stronger advocacy.

Moderator: Mark W Friedman
Speakers: Victor Dawes SC, Karl Hennessee, Jim Lawrence, The Hon Justice Dato Mary Lim FCJ, Noradèle Radjai

Venue: 1/F, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dress code: Business attire

10:45AM – 11:15AM

Coffee Break

11:15AM – 12:30PM

Morning – Session 2

Panel 9: Procedures and Behaviours

The panel will explore how procedure(s) can impact the behaviour and conduct of different participants in the dispute resolution process. Speakers will approach this topic from a number of distinct vantage points, including procedures specific to certain types of dispute (e.g., sports arbitration and infrastructure proceedings) and particular legal cultures. The panel will also address the importance of tailoring procedure(s) to take account of the human element in the adjudicative process.

Moderator: Maanas Jain

Speakers: Susan Ahern, Gourab Banerji SA, Kap-You (Kevin) Kim, Aisha Nadar, David W Rivkin

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Panel 10: It's (Not) Just Semantics – the
Hidden Power of Language

How much does the language used in an arbitration shape the process and influence the outcomes? Does the language of arbitration come with conscious and unconscious cultural norms and conventions attached or does each case leave space to develop its own speech community by adopting unique elements of culture and language from the relevant industry and various actors in the arbitration. When does (and should) meaning get attached to words and concepts used in a case? In bilingual arbitrations, are tribunals more open to a range of meaning being given to the words used? Does fluency help or hinder an advocate?

Moderator: May Tai
Speakers: Samaa Haridi, Jern-Fei Ng KC, Lei Shi, Rainbow Willard

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

12:30PM – 2:00PM

Lunch

(Available at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre)

2:00PM – 3:15PM

Afternoon – Session 1

Panel 11: Inter-personal Conduct and Ethics

Civility in the practice of law is an essential aspect of maintaining the rule of law. How we conduct ourselves as participants in the process of international arbitration affects how the institution of international arbitration is perceived and its effectiveness. This panel will discuss ICCA’s Guidelines on Standards of Practice in International Arbitration as they relate to our roles as advocates, arbitrators, experts, witnesses, and administrators, taking into account differing cultural perspectives and legal traditions.

Moderator: Abby Cohen Smutny
Speakers: Funke Adekoya, Hyung-Sik (Brandon) Bang, Nicolás Gálvez Solis, Matthew Gearing KC, Jonathan Lim

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Panel 12: Dispute Resolution and the Global Community

For centuries, universally agreed dispute resolution rules have been pivotal in resolving some of humanity’s greatest issues. Building on historical examples, this panel will discuss the challenges and successes of dispute resolution in achieving a more harmonious and prosperous global community. This panel will describe current initiatives tackling climate change, practical experiences of designing rules for state-to-state and multi-stakeholder conflicts, and dispute resolution innovation addressing societal inequalities.

Moderator: Judith Levine and Annette Magnusson
Speakers: Catherine Amirfar, Prof Petra Butler, Martin Doe, Dyalá Jiménez

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

3:15PM – 3:45PM

Coffee Break

3:45PM – 5:00PM

Afternoon – Session 2

Panel 13: Working in an Adversarial Environment

Inspired by the concept of doughnut economics, which prioritises balancing social needs and available resources, this panel will explore how psychology and emotions intersect in adversarial settings, and how a greater understanding of the human condition may lead to more collaborative and sustainable approaches to dispute resolution. The speakers will examine: emotions as catalysts for action; the pressures on advocates (including junior lawyers in the team); the tension of cross-examination; how to optimise expert witness engagement; and practical psychology tips to help survive and thrive in adversarial environments.

Moderator: Amanda Lee
Speakers: Kathryn Britten, Daniel Kalderimis, Yoko Maeda, Prof Giacomo Rojas Elgueta, Emi Rowse (Igusa)

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Panel 14: Costs and Economics

Costs are an essential consideration in every arbitration. Commercial arbitrations are increasingly criticised of being too costly, with serious access to justice implications for all but the largest private and public entities. The costs incurred by the parties to an arbitration at various stages of the proceedings, security for costs applications, the barriers for impecunious parties, and the impact that third party funding might have on these issues (and recent legislative developments) will be discussed by this panel.

Moderator: Aloysius (Louie) Llamzon, and Thomas Stouten
Speakers: Prof Crina Baltag, Rodrigo Garcia da Fonseca, Joanne Lau, Ruth Stackpool-Moore

Venue: 1/F, Theatre 2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

6:15PM – 9:30PM

Congress Gala Dinner
sponsored by Han Kun Law Offices
(Tickets can be purchased here)

Guest arrival and Welcome Cocktail

Gala Dinner

Venue: 3/F, Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dress code: Casual cocktail attire/ National dress

9:30PM – 12:00AM

The Young ICCA After Party
sponsored by BRG

Venue: 3/F, Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

10:00AM – 11:30AM

Morning – Session 1

Panel 15: International Arbitration: An AI Endeavour

The panel will explore how the incremental adoption of artificial intelligence across society, including in the delivery of justice, may shape assumptions not only of what is permissible but of how arbitration should be conducted. AI will impact advocacy and decision-making, access and transparency, and the skill sets needed by participants. Speakers will also discuss the impact this will have on the legitimacy of international arbitration. Should we be optimistic or pessimistic?

Moderator: Michael McIlwrath

Speakers: Christopher Bogart, Emily Hay, Rahim Moloo, Maxim Osadchiy, Winnie Tam SC

Venue: 1/F, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dress code: Business attire

11:30AM – 12:00PM

Coffee Break

12:00PM – 1:00PM

Morning – Session 2

Panel 16: Closing Session

Programme Co-chairs’ closing remarks
Chiann Bao and Audley Sheppard KC

Keynote Address: Innovation and Arbitral Justice
Professor Richard Susskind OBE KC (Hon)

Hong Kong Host Committee
Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS and Justin D’Agostino MH

Invitation to Madrid
ICCA 2026 Madrid Host Committee

ICCA President
Dr Stanimir Alexandrov

Venue: 1/F, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

2:00PM – 6:00PM

Young ICCA-HK 45 Skills Training Workshop

(Click here for Registration)

Beyond Bargaining: Understanding Human Behavior in Negotiation

Join Young ICCA and HK45 for an afternoon with Dr. Claudia Winkler from The Negotiation Academy to explore the fascinating intersection of negotiation and human behavior.

In this workshop, participants will immerse themselves in the psychological underpinnings of negotiation strategy and decision-making and explore how to make the world of negotiation psychology work in negotiations through interactive exercises and role-playing simulations.

Topics include:

• Interest-based negotiation and its persuasive power;

• Game theory in win-win negotiation;

• Anchoring in competitive bargaining; and

• Framing and other unconscious biases.

Venue: Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre,
38/F Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central

5 – 8 May 2024