On 5 September 2024 the AIFC International Arbitration Centre (IAC) hosted “IAC Women in Arbitration Day” in cooperation with ArbitralWomen, as part of Astana Finance Days. This was the first time that such an event was hosted in Kazakhstan.
The event brought together leading women arbitrators, scholars, and lawyers from around the world to exchange experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities women experience in international arbitration. The discussions highlighted the critical role of diversity in building trust with international investors, emphasising that a diverse panel of decision-makers—comprising both men and women from different backgrounds—can ensure greater credibility and fairness in arbitration proceedings.
Opening remarks were delivered by distinguished speakers, including The Rt. Hon. The Lord Burnett of Maldon, AIFC Court Chief Justice; Mr. Thomas Krümmel, IAC Chairman; Ms. Aigul Kydyrbayeva, Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Ms. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova, Managing Partner of Signum Law Firm, Kazakhstan.
The event featured panel discussions by foreign and Kazakh leading women arbitrators in international arbitration, focusing on the role of women and the importance of diversity in resolving disputes in the energy and construction sectors. Additionally, the strategic selection of arbitration seats was discussed, reinforcing the significance of diverse perspectives in maintaining the integrity of the arbitration process and enhancing the IAC’s attractiveness as a trusted destination for international investors.
A highlight of the event was a “Conversation with Carolyn Lamm”, a Partner at the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm White & Case, globally recognised as an expert in international arbitration. Ms. Lamm shared her distinguished international arbitration experience as a lawyer and arbitrator, and her personal perspective on the history, development, and importance of international arbitration. She also discussed the significant influence of women in developing international arbitration and the role in determining its future direction.
“IAC Women in Arbitration Day” provided inspiration for young legal professionals in Kazakhstan, providing unique opportunities to learn from and network with global leaders in arbitration. The IAC remains committed to supporting the development of young people. An interactive training session was organised for young lawyers, led by Jue Jun Lu, Legal Director at the law firm, DLA Piper, providing a unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and skills.
Mr. Christopher Campbell-Holt, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the AIFC Court and IAC, commented:
“Diversity in dispute resolution is very important not just in Kazakhstan, but all around the world. It is a significant expectation, and often a requirement of international investors, particularly global corporation investors. Investors trust that all dispute resolution at the AIFC Court and IAC is conducted applying the highest international standards of independence and the rule of law; this includes diversity which is encouraged at all times for more equal and fair representation in arbitration proceedings in line with international expectations.”
Since the AIFC Court and IAC commenced operations in 2018, they have encouraged inclusivity within the AIFC Court and IAC legal communities with initiatives such as international cooperation, signing pledges for equal representation in arbitration, and organising training programs. The AIFC Court and IAC have promoted gender diversity, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional leader in providing equal opportunities in arbitration and dispute resolution.
The event was attended by more than 150 distinguished arbitrators, legal counsel, judges, and diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Eurasia, Europe, and Asia.
Reference:
The AIFC Court is an independent legal entity. It has its own procedural rules modelled on English common law procedures and leading international practice. The AIFC Court is separate and independent from the courts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It consists of two tiers: a Court of First Instance, which includes a specialist division known as the Small Claims Court; and a Court of Appeal. It has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising out of the activities and operations of the AIFC and jurisdiction in the case of other disputes in which all parties agree in writing to give the AIFC Court jurisdiction. It does not have jurisdiction in relation to disputes that are of a criminal or administrative nature. It applies the most up to date and efficient case management practices. https://court.aifc.kz/
The International Arbitration Centre (IAC) is an independent legal entity. It has its own procedural rules modelled on best international practice. It has its own panel of leading international arbitrators and mediators having many years of arbitration and mediation experience in commercial law, including oil and gas, trade, construction, energy, financial services, banking, Islamic finance, insurance, and intellectual property. IAC arbitration awards are recognised and enforceable in Kazakhstan and internationally. https://iac.aifc.kz/
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction that started operations in 2018. In accordance with the Development Strategy until 2025, the key focus of the AIFC is to consolidate as a universal platform connecting the countries of the EAEU, Central Asia and the Caucasus. www.aifc.kz
ArbitralWomen is an international non-governmental organisation, founded in 1993, with the primary objective of promoting and protecting female practitioners in international dispute resolution. It is a professional organisation connecting female practitioners involved in every dispute resolution related field and role.
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