Deadline:
07/1/21
Event Date:
11/20/21
Location name:
Virtual
Organization:
Decolonizing Arbitration Research Unit, Nagoya University
Virtual Conference on Sustainable Diversity in International Arbitration
Conference Theme
During the decades in which arbitration has become the preferred means for settling crossborder business and investment disputes, there has been a natural and mostly positive trend toward harmonization. In recent years, however, the international arbitration community has devoted greater attention to diversity. For too many, harmonization represents no more than Western legal dominance and a practitioner community that remains largely homogeneous.
In ecology, it has long been recognized that biodiversity is essential for a sustainable ecosystem. This conference will explore what it will take to develop sustainable diversity in the international arbitration ecosystem. The conference will consider diversity in all its forms—whether demographic, legal, cultural, or philosophical—and will investigate how best to develop an international arbitral order that is not just tolerant of diversity, but that sustains and promotes diversity in concert with harmonized practices.
Potential Paper Topics
Presentations may address various ways to achieve the conference goals, such as:
· promotion of a diverse and inclusive international arbitration community
· development of cultural competencies among arbitration practitioners
· law reform initiatives that recognize local and regional differences in legal culture while respect non-negotiable global standards
· promulgation of soft law instruments that would provide a “menu of options” in contrast to the “one size fits all approach” exemplified by some existing instruments
A selection of the papers will be included in an edited book to be published in 2022.
We particularly encourage submissions from early career researchers and scholars based in jurisdictions where arbitration is still under development.
Participation is free of charge.
Application process and key dates Submit a 300 words (max.) abstract, with your name and affiliation, to [email protected] by July 1, 2021.
Applicants will be notified in early July, 2021. Accepted presenters must submit their full papers (5,000-8,000 words including footnotes) by November 10, 2021. Guidelines for style, format, etc. will be communicated to the selected presenters. Questions should be directed to Prof. Giorgio F. Colombo ([email protected]).
