5 August 2021

The ICC Young Arbitrators Forum has named 89 new regional representatives for its 2021-2023 mandate, including appointments in 16 previously unrepresented countries and a newly established chapter for Africa.

The Young Arbitrators Forum (YAF), the world’s largest network of its kind, is the International Chamber of Commerce’s young practitioners’ community dedicated to dispute resolution. Representatives are elected for a two-year mandate and responsible for the promotion of ICC’s dispute resolution services and the development of the more than 10,000-member network. Open to those aged 40 years or under, YAF enables young professionals to acquire new skills, proficiency and knowledge, including a better understanding of ICC’s arbitral procedure and other leading dispute resolution services.

Welcoming the newly appointed members, ICC YAF Co-Chair and Manager of the ICC International Centre for ADR Alya Ladjimi said: “Our incoming YAF representatives have an exciting and important role to play in expanding expertise within our global network. As ambassadors, communicators, and coordinators for ICC in their respective regions, each representative will work to help us mould the next generation of arbitration and ADR experts. As we settle into a new normal, the need for alternatives to litigation becomes ever more pressing. Their role in spreading knowledge and know-how of ADR and arbitration is key in helping ICC make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.” 

The newly appointed YAF representatives are also be charged with overseeing a number of events in their region as part of the forum’s vision to offer young arbitration practitioners the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives, as well as to learn directly from experienced practitioners. 

Enhancing diversity in international arbitration – in all forms – remains a key priority for ICC. The current set of representatives comprises 48 women and 41 men. Additionally, the group includes first-time representation from Bolivia, Croatia, Finland, Lithuania, Mongolia, Portugal, and Taiwan. The expansive and diverse group now represents 79 cities in 59 countries.    

ICC has also established an Africa chapter of YAF led by the newly appointed Regional Director for Africa, Diamana Diawara.  The Africa chapter will broaden ICC’s reach in the region and bolster ICC efforts to mobilise its network at national, regional and local levels to make business work for all in Africa. Close to 50 submissions from potential representatives in Africa were received in the selection process.   

The official handover to the new YAF leaders will take place at the biennial ICC YAF Global Conference, the network’s flagship event, set to take place virtually on 29 September 2021.  

Ana Serra e Moura, ICC YAF Co-Chair and Deputy Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration said: “I am deeply grateful for all the work done by our truly outstanding, outgoing YAF representatives who have worked very hard to foster opportunities for the young generation of arbitrators around the globe under very challenging and unprecedented conditions over these past two years. You will always belong to the ICC extended family.”  

To see the full list of our YAF regional representatives for the 2021-2023 mandate, please visit our dedicated page.