Mian Sheraz Javaid Engages in Insightful Discussions at the 2nd ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day

The conference addressed many contentious issues facing the discipline of arbitration—the urgent ones about Japan and all of North Asia as well. Indeed, Sheraz, known for having an acute fascination with the convergences and divergences between law and technology, felt highly interested and engrossed in the interactive discussions during which participants talked about what AI was to the future landscape of dispute resolution. The sessions delved into the potential for using technology to augment arbitration practice to increase the effectiveness, transparency, and accessibility of dispute resolution processes.

The launching of the Japanese version of the ICC Rules of Arbitration is an important event; it marked Japan's continuance in its journey to strengthen arbitration in Japan. Acceptance of such rules can be regarded indeed as a tremendous leap for Japan in terms of placing Japan amongst the top class arbitration centers across Asia. Sheraz, with other experts, saw how Japan's increasing role in international arbitration shapes the legal landscape of the region and introduces foreign investments through more effective mechanisms of dispute resolution.

The discussions at ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day were marked by a high level of expertise, with several notable figures contributing to the panels. Speakers such as Yoko Maeda, Kap-You (Kevin) Kim, Kelvin Poon SC, Atsushi Yamada, and Chiann Bao shared their wealth of knowledge, providing invaluable insights into both the practical and theoretical aspects of arbitration. Sheraz was particularly appreciative of the engaging and thought-provoking exchanges, which further enriched his understanding of the complexities surrounding international arbitration.

Among the standout discussions were those related to Japan's ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, a major step in Japan's maturing approach to dispute resolution. The Singapore Convention aims to harmonise an international framework for the enforcement of international mediated agreements, considered to then streamline processes and offer greater certainty to businesses generally engaged in international operations. Sheraz participated in discussions over broader implications of this ratification and how it might increase the competitiveness of Japan as a dispute resolution centre, and eventually mediation over arbitration.

 Additionally, the event featured a ‘Mock ICC International Court of Arbitration Session on Draft Award Scrutiny’ chaired by Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC Court. This session provided participants with a unique opportunity to observe the inner workings of the ICC Court, offering an immersive experience that demonstrated the Court’s role in ensuring the quality and enforceability of arbitral awards. Sheraz remarked that the mock session was not only a fascinating demonstration of arbitration procedures but also an educational tool that provided critical insights into the rigorous scrutiny that arbitral awards undergo before they are finalised.

Throughout the event, Sheraz was impressed by the calibre of speakers and participants, noting the immense value in both the content shared and the opportunity to engage with global experts in the field. The speeches delivered by esteemed figures such as Noriko Shibata, Assistant Vice Minister of Justice Ministry of Japan, and Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC Court, added a prestigious dimension to the proceedings, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing arbitration practices worldwide.

The ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day also offered a great opportunity for networking. According to Sheraz, the event provided an opportunity to develop meaningful connections with professionals and organisations from various jurisdictions. He observed that such interactions are essential in developing cross-border collaborations and knowledge sharing in arbitration, which is increasingly becoming a global practice. For instance, global enforcement mechanisms for arbitral awards were discussed; such a space of international exchange proved the right point at which diverse participants could derive experience from respective jurisdictions' experiences, successes, and challenges.

Reflecting on the event, Sheraz emphasized that attending high-level arbitration gatherings of this kind is not to be underestimated and is of tremendous value, especially in today's dynamic and evolving market of Japan. In his opinion, the 2nd ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day offered invaluable insights into the latest trends and developments in international arbitration and allowed participants to stay at the forefront of a rapidly changing landscape of dispute resolution. He also emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration among global arbitration practitioners, which was amply fostered through the numerous discussions and networking opportunities provided by the event.

As the event concluded, Sheraz expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the rich discussions and for the invaluable learning experience that the 2nd ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day provided. The event not only offered a deep dive into the current state of arbitration but also laid the groundwork for future discussions on how arbitration practices can evolve to meet the challenges posed by globalisation, technology, and changing legal frameworks.

In a nutshell, Mian Sheraz Javaid's involvement in the 2nd ICC Tokyo Arbitration Day demonstrates his continued commitment to the furtherance of international arbitration. By interacting with global experts and engaging in discussions on cutting-edge issues such as AI in dispute resolution and global enforcement of arbitral awards, Sheraz continues to contribute to the growth and development of arbitration practices, not only in Pakistan but across the globe. His experience at the event shows how much the arbitration community needs global collaboration to come together and also underlines the importance of such events in shaping the future of dispute resolution on the international stage.

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