11 Apr AFSA JAW 2024 – THE SILK ROAD AND THE BRICS ROAD – GLOBAL RAMIFICATIONS
11 April 2024: The first session on Day 3 of the conference focused on AFSA’s journey to becoming an international player in arbitration. The creation of the China-Africa Joint Arbitration Centre (CAJAC) played a significant role and the current development of the BRICS initiative with AFSA broadening international horizons places Southern African arbitration firmly on the world stage.
Michael Kuper SC, Chairman of AFSA in discussing AFSA’s relationship with CAJAC stated, “In developing our relationship the Chinese offered a handshake from across the world, impressing us with their goodwill, efficiency and their commitment to building the relationship between our Chinese partners and our African partners leading to growth from an international perspective.”
In his opening remarks Prof David Butler, Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow, Stellenbosch University, stated, “Michael Kuper SC is the father of administered arbitration in this country and without his vision and determination AFSA would not have been in the important place that it finds itself today bringing arbitration in Africa onto the world stage.”
Lindi Nkosi-Thomas SC, AFSA Vice-Chair in discussing progress with the BRICS initiative stated,
“The CAJAC rules are being adopted by the BRICS legal centres and are being adapted for the BRICS initiative.”
Dr Dorean Du, Shanghai International Arbitration Centre, closed the session on ‘SHIAC: the first BRICS Centre’, introducing the exploration and practices of the BRICS Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (SHIAC) that has representatives from all of the BRICS countries.
The CDH session on ‘Unpacking BRICS December 2023 Resolution: from an investment and trade perspective’ moderated byJackwell Feris, included panellists: Seamus Duggan; Leyou Tameru and Prashant Kumar.
AFSA International’s session discussing ‘Overcoming Obstacles in Arbitration: appointment challenges, CMC procedures, and the future role of AI in global justice’ moderated by Svetlana Vasileva consisted of Bruce Collins KC speaking on the ‘Challenges to the Appointment of Arbitrators’, Dr Niels Schiersing, discussing ‘CMC and the PO1’, and Jean-Rémi de Maistre on ‘AI Powering Arbitration and Global Justice.’
In Bowmans session ‘Unpacking the Investment Protocol of AfCTA’ moderator John Kawana was joined by speakers Clement Mkiva; Dr Wilbert Kapinga; Erin Cronjé; and Leyou Tameru.
During Advocates Group 621’s session ‘Mediation: finding real solutions that bind’ moderator Svetlana Vasilena was joined by speakers: John Bishop; R. Santhanakrishnan; and Ofentse Motlhasedi.
GCB’s session, ‘But is it Constitutional? The legality defence and arbitration’ was moderated by Professor Currie and consisted of panellists: Adv Gautschi SC; Judge Adams; and Judge Malindi.
The final session of the 3 day conference was expertly moderated by Lindi Nkosi-Thomas SC. The Young AFSA contingent shared insights garnered from the delegates’ questionnaire, notably highlighting that 67.9% of respondents selected Award A as the Human Award, validating their choice. Patrick Lane SC then proudly announced AFT (Advocates for Transformation) as the victorious Moot Winning Team, following an intense debate between the AFT team, the SADC team, and the Young AFSA team in the Moot Court. Moderator Lindi Nkosi-Thomas delivered a message of solidarity and outlined forthcoming initiatives. Concluding the event, Michael Kuper SC imparted final reflections and bid a fond farewell.
Over 400 local, African and International delegates gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre for the inaugural Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa’s (AFSA’s) Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW), to network, debate and hear 95 speakers covering 9 themes over 3 days with 12 co-hosts, 7 sponsors and over 25 supporting organisations.
JAW 2024 is hosted by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA); and co-hosted Advocates for Transformation (AFT); Allen & Overy; Bowmans; China-Africa Joint Arbitration Centre (CAJAC); CDH; General Council of the Bar of South Africa; Herbert Smith Freehills; KPMG, Pinsent Masons, Webber Wentzel, 39 Essex Chambers and Group 621. Sponsors for the event included White & Case, Cape Bar, Control Risks, HKA, Jus Mundi, StoneTurn and Fireblade Aviation.
ENDS
For more information and to register: https://johannesburgarbitrationweek.co.za/
About JAW
Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) is hosted by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) and co-hosted by leading solicitor firms, bars and other stakeholders who are all founding members of AFSA. AFSA, rated by SOAS as Africa’s top arbitration centre, is proud to host this inaugural event taking place during April this year in Sandton, close to Johannesburg, South Africa.
JAW brings together arbitration professionals, to unpack issues and challenges in the ever-changing world of international commercial arbitration; while paying special attention to significant initiatives that contribute and transform dispute resolution in Africa. This year’s event is being hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre, from 9-11 April 2024 and features a multitude of both local and international speakers focusing on 9 insightful and topical themes over the three-day conference.
About AFSA
AFSA is a private dispute resolution authority that manages and administers the confidential resolution of a wide-range of local and international disputes by way of mediation, adjudication, arbitration and related processes. AFSA is a non-profit organisation that counts among its founding members many of the leading firms and institutions in the attorney, accounting and advocate professions as well as organised business and affiliated bodies.
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SWM Communications
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