Dispute Resolution in a Geopolitical World | Annual Arbitration & ADR Conference | 14 October 2026

This year’s theme, “Dispute Resolution in a Geopolitical World”, reflects the profound transformation of the disputes landscape globally and across regions. Heightened trade tensions, economic fragmentation, sanctions regimes, technological competition, armed conflict, and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping cross-border commerce. These developments are not only increasing the volume and complexity of disputes but are also testing the resilience, neutrality, and enforceability of arbitration and ADR mechanisms, particularly where conflict disrupts contracts, supply chains, and the rule of law.

Against this backdrop, the conference will explore how arbitration practitioners, institutions, and users are adapting to a more politicised and uncertain environment. It will also look ahead to how dispute resolution frameworks can remain effective, legitimate, and future ready in a rapidly evolving global order. These issues will be examined through both thematic and comparative regional perspectives across key jurisdictions.

Get involved:

We are now calling for papers for our flagship conference, and welcome innovative, practical, and forward-looking proposals for sessions and speakers that engage with these challenges from a legal, commercial, and policy perspective. Please send to arbitration@iccwbo.uk by 11 May 2026. 

Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Geopolitics and dispute resolution, including comparative regional perspectives
• Conflict related disputes, sanctions, and state linked claims
• Trade, supply chains, and economic fragmentation
• Energy transition and climate related disputes
• Technology, AI, and digital economy disputes, including data governance and platform regulation
• Arbitration system challenges, including neutrality, seat selection, arbitrator issues, and legitimacy
• Enforcement and the New York Convention
• Public international law tensions in dispute resolution

Early bird tickets available now. Use code: : EARLYBIRD2026 for 20% the first 50 tickets. First come, first served.