Professor Marike Paulsson, Vice Chairperson of the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution and Secretary General of The Council for International Dispute Resolution of the Kingdom of Bahrain, participated in the 4th ADGM-ICSID Joint Conference on International Dispute Settlement, at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
During the conference, Professor Marike Paulsson joined Kristin Campbell-Wilson, CEO of ArbitraD, and Judge Shamlan Al Sawalehi, Court of Appeal Judge at the DIFC Courts, in a panel discussion on the future of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mediation in the region. The dialogue showcased Bahrain's growing strategic alliance with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and its commitment to fostering international collaborations in dispute resolution across the region. It also emphasized the importance of capacity building and the development of young talent, underscoring the importance of nurturing the next generation of dispute resolution professionals across the Gulf region.
On the sidelines of the participation, Professor Marike Paulsson met with Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, to explore potential collaborations and partnerships between the Council for International Dispute Resolution of Bahrain and the ADGM Commercial Courts. These discussions focused on enhancing joint initiatives, sharing best practices, and building institutional synergies to elevate standards of international commercial dispute resolution. It was agreed that Bahrain will take the lead in establishing a dedicated circle of arbitration executives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This initiative aims to unite regional leaders in arbitration and jointly promote the Gulf as a premier and reliable destination for international arbitration and dispute settlement.
The Council for International Dispute Resolution of Bahrain's participation in the ADGM-ICSID conference marks a significant step towards advancing regional collaboration and excellence in international dispute resolution. Future initiatives will include joint workshops, talent development schemes, and the forging of stronger institutional partnerships, reaffirming Bahrain's role as a neutral hub for international dispute settlement in the Gulf.