2024 Winter Academy on International Arbitration: Results
From 22 January to 4 February 2024, the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration held its fourth edition of the Winter Academy on International Arbitration “Arbitration in a Spectrum: Industry-Specific Perspectives.”
The program of the Academy included two weeks of interactive courses on various aspects of international arbitration. This year, participants explored complex issues of investment and international commercial arbitration with an exposure to specifics of various industries.
This year the Advisory Committee consisted of Dr. Mikhail Batsura (PCA, Legal Counsel), Elena Mazetova (Investment Fund, Director, GR and Regulatory Affairs) and Prof. Vladimir Pavić (University of Belgrade Faculty of Law, Professor). The Committee reviewed over 100 applications and selected 48 participants based on their prior academic and professional experience, motivation, and written test. The participants attended the Academy from more than 20 countries, namely: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Perú, Russia, Serbia, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
The Academy was held in English. Same as last years, the courses were conveniently accessed via specially designed online platform that gave participants and lecturers an opportunity to acquaint with the courses, access their materials, participate in the lectures, and communicate with each other, lecturers and organisers.
Courses
Within two weeks, the participants of the Academy explored dispute resolution in different industries all over the globe, including arbitration of sport (Dr. Anna Kozmenko), maritime (George Lambrou), aviation (Charlotte Bijlani), and domain name disputes (Stefanie G. Efstathiou).
Special emphasis was placed on investor-state arbitration (Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab) and its fundamental elements, such as understanding investment treaty clauses (Krystle Baptista Serna), the role of counsel for states and investors (Khawar Qureshi KC).
Additionally, the lecturers delved into various perspectives on arbitration. They addressed inquiries such as adversarial and inquisitorial proceedings (Prof. Dr. Antje Baumann) and legal evidence (Mino Han). The discussion also explored international dispute strategies (Diora Ziyaeva), the prospects of the New York Convention (Prof. Marike Paulsson), international arbitration in Russia (Vladimir Kostsov), impact of sanctions on arbitration (Oleg Todua) and disclosure in international arbitration (Dr. Roman Khodykin).
Moot Court
After their in-depth studies, the participants took part in the moot court, which allowed them to apply their knowledge in practice. The participants analyzed a fictional case, which revolved around the construction of a seaport and failure of the state company to acquire necessary permits.
On behalf of claimant and respondent, the participants addressed the questions of impartiality of arbitrators, jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal, production of evidence, and prima facie determining whether the dispute fall under a commercial contract or an investment treaty.
A panel consisted of three arbitrators from the Advisory Committee (Dr. Mikhail Batsura, Elena Mazetova, Prof. Vladimir Pavić) who judged the moot court and provided valuable comments at the end of the hearing.
Support
With the help of the media partners, talented and interested lawyers from all over the world learned about our project and had the opportunity to join it: ICA CCI KR, KCAB, MIAMC Hyderabad, TIAC, YIMA and RWA.
We also express our gratitude to the Organising committee of the Winter Academy, who was ready to assist participants, lecturers and partners on each step of the way: Yulia Mullina, Katarina Piskunovich, Margarita Drobyshevskaya and Ekaterina Petrenko.
We are very grateful to all the lecturers and participants of the Winter Academy. They definitely contributed to making the Academy one of the brightest educational projects in international arbitration.
Feedback
Ekaterina Orlova, participant of the Winter Academy
I wanted to thank the Organising Committee for the outstanding work you've done! I know how much time and effort it takes to organize such events.
I want to highlight the impressive level of speakers that were invited from all over the world. I also point out the online platform, which is easy to use. Participation in the Winter Academy for sure was an informative and fruitful experience to me!
Dina El Ganzoury, participant of the Winter Academy
Upon conclusion of the Winter Academy course held by RAC, please let me extend my gratitude and my utmost thanks for this opportunity and these all encompassing classes.
My horizon has been broadened to an extent I did not think possible following my years of practice. For that I am immensely grateful. I am thankful for the opportunity that was extended to me and the professors and colleagues I got to meet and discuss a wide range of topics with.
Please accept my deepest gratitude and respect for all your efforts in organizing this course.
The Winter Academy takes place annually. To learn more about participation, please follow the Academy’s website, our social networks or drop an email to event@centerarbitr.ru.