Mian Sheraz Javaid Meets Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth at Ciarb Kenya 40th International Conference, Highlights Shared Vision for ADR Advancement
Mian Sheraz Javaid had the pleasure of meeting Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth, the esteemed Secretary General of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA), at the Ciarb Kenya 40th International ADR Conference in June 2024. The conference, which marked a significant milestone in the operations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) in Kenya, provided a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas and insights on the evolving landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The event presented Sheraz with the opportunity to discuss meaningful matters with Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth, whose contributions to the development and promotion of ADR in Africa have been nothing short of remarkable. Their meeting was an expression of a shared commitment to advancing ADR practices across regions, since both leaders are passionate about improving dispute resolution frameworks through collaboration, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.
A Champion of ADR in Africa
Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth is widely recognized as a transformative leader in the field of ADR, especially in Africa. In her capacity as Secretary General of AFSA, she has taken a pivotal role in the promotion of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution as effective tools for the resolution of disputes in a region where the need for accessible and efficient legal mechanisms is increasingly felt.
Specifically, Svetlana's contribution in helping develop the China-Africa Joint Arbitration Centre in Johannesburg is a landmark accomplishment. CAJAC aims to support bilateral trade between China and Africa with the objective of having a more established platform where disputes from the commercial activities between China and Africa could be resolved. Work in developing such a center underlines her commitment to supporting the improvement of ADR infrastructure in Africa, as well as helping advance global dispute resolution mechanisms.
Mian Sheraz Javaid recognized Svetlana as a visionary leader who has indeed created a ripple effect in the wider ADR community. "She has been instrumental in championing ADR across Africa and beyond. Her work through CAJAC and role in advancing arbitration practices are truly commendable," said Sheraz, further citing how her effort contributed to the growth of ADR systems in both Africa and the wider global context.
Shared Vision for Strengthening Regional Connectivity
During the conference, Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth spoke on topics that were more close to Sheraz's heart, especially when it came to the vision of the Asia MENA ADR Cooperative Group launched under the auspices of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb). This working group is supposed to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate cross-jurisdictional business opportunities for ADR Centres in a way very much aligned with the objectives of many ADR leaders, like both Sheraz and Svetlana.
The Asia MENA ADR Cooperative Group creates a connected web of ADR institutions throughout the Asia, Middle East, and North Africa regions and offers effective, transparent, and accessible means for the resolution of cross-border disputes. Goals for the group are the exchange of best practices to enhance regional cooperation and to offer new business opportunities to parties interested in seeking ADR solutions across various jurisdictions.
These objectives that Svetlana presented during the conference actually resonated around strengthening regional networks and advancing ADR across borders. She shares the same understanding with Sheraz about how the networking and connectivity among ADR Centres will promote businesses but in the larger aspect, grow the sustainability of the ADR sector.
Sheraz remarked, “Svetlana’s presentation was a reaffirmation of the importance of our work. The shared vision of improving regional connectivity through initiatives like the Asia-MENA ADR Cooperative Group is critical for advancing the ADR community and making dispute resolution more efficient and accessible on a global scale.”
Collaboration and a Brighter Future for ADR
The meeting between Sheraz and Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration within the ADR community. Both leaders emphasised the role that collaboration plays in shaping the future of ADR and the positive impact that working together can have on strengthening dispute resolution frameworks worldwide.
Svetlana’s passion for ADR was evident throughout their conversation, and Sheraz expressed his admiration for her dedication to advancing the field. “Meeting Svetlana and witnessing her passion for ADR was truly inspiring. Her leadership and tireless advocacy for ADR are not only advancing the field in Africa but are setting an example for the rest of the world,” said Sheraz.
Both Sheraz and Svetlana agreed that sustained collaboration and collective vision could carry the ADR community quite long in establishing new, effective, accessible, and efficient dispute settlement mechanisms. However, such long-term conversation will be vital and instrumental for future ADR innovations to serve new business and customer needs arising under an increasingly integrative world trade.
“I am excited about the future of ADR, and I am confident that with leaders like Svetlana and initiatives like the Asia-MENA ADR Cooperative Group, we can continue to make progress toward a brighter future for dispute resolution,” said Sheraz.
A Call for Further Cooperation
As the conference came to a close, Sheraz extended a warm invitation to Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth and the AFSA team to further strengthen ties between their organisations. He expressed his desire to see even more collaboration between ADR institutions across regions, with a particular focus on fostering stronger relationships between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
“I look forward to continuing our discussions with Svetlana and her team at AFSA,” said Sheraz. “Together, we can work toward creating a more connected and efficient global ADR network that will benefit businesses, governments, and individuals alike.”
With global trade and investment continually increasing, it is now clearer than ever that effective mechanisms of dispute resolution are necessary. The future of dispute resolution is indeed brighter with leaders like Svetlana Vasileva-Stratenwerth leading the way in developing ADR practices. Initiatives such as the Asia-MENA ADR Cooperative Group and the continuous collaboration among ADR leaders can ensure that the world can look forward to a more connected, efficient, and fair approach to resolving disputes across borders.
