Conference programme

The 6th Committee of The United Nations in late 2024 released the draft treaty relating to crimes against humanity. The proposed draft fills a gap in international law where certain crimes have not been covered because they were limited to certain contexts, such a crime committed during war. As a stand-alone treaty, it would aggregate in one place defined crimes, including murder, torture, slavery, rape and sexual violence, targeted persecutions of particular groups, enforced disappearance and apartheid. In the case of apartheid, there is a movement to broaden the definition beyond race to include gender. The convention would obligate national governments to ensure investigation and prosecution, including even of their own acts. The negotiation process will provide an opportunity for national bars around the world to engage with their governments to advocate positions on the details, scope and remedies. The International Bar Association's Bar Issues Commission has made this a priority for the next two years. The program will be of interest to all attorneys and bars, as the convention addresses the most fundamental of human rights issues that all bars are concerned with.

This panel will look at how the project of international justice is and should be taken up by national jurisdictions, affecting the ICC's foundational principle of complementarity through the exercise of universal and domestic jurisdiction.

The EU rules on jurisdiction (notably, Brussels 1a Regulation) provided for jurisdiction of EU courts over non-EU domiciled defendant in a number of cases. An increase of these cases might be expected in future revisions of the Brussels 1a regulation. We will discuss the intricacies of these regulations in this session.

Family offices continue to evolve and have a prominent role in global investment, wealth preservation, and philanthropy. This panel will explore the latest trends impacting family offices, including the rise of direct investments, the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact investing, the shift toward professionalisation and institutionalisation, as well as governance and succession structures employed for these purposes, offering practical strategies for advisors better to serve their family office clients in an ever-changing landscape.  

When considering the recent US election and how it will impact trade in the region, in this session we will discuss the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Properties and facilities with energy-efficient features often command higher market values and attract tenants and buyers who prioritise sustainability and lower energy costs, but also require significant additional expenditures. Energy efficiency can attract investment by demonstrating clear economic benefits and broader financial and strategic goals. Energy-efficient technologies and practices offer cost savings through reduced utility bills and lower operational expenses. These financial gains present a compelling return on investment that can appeal to investors, and can be combined with government incentives and subsidies, which can further enhance their attractiveness. This session will explore how legislations and legal practitioners can better allow energy efficiency investments to attract investors.

As regulators in various jurisdictions continue to grapple with how and whether alternative business structures for delivery of legal services should be permitted, one solution in three Canadian provinces and one US state (so far) has been a form of pilot project, or "Sandbox". A Sandbox provides a limited exemption from the ordinary prohibitions on non-lawyer ownership and delivery but is it a solution? Is private equity investment an option, even with guardrails? Do ethical rules serve to protect the guild or consumers? This panel will explore the business and regulatory aspects of North American and other experiments and how they might impact integration and engagement of firms internationally. 

As a lawyer practicing international M&A, you will benefit from interacting with a broad network of colleagues in the same practice in other countries.

This session will be a great way to meet many new M&A contacts, build your network and learn from the experience of your peers. It will involve 10 roundtables and topics, with a moderator knowledgeable on the topic. 
All session participants will be able to speak, ask questions and exchange contacts. Every 20 minutes you will rotate to another table, giving you the opportunity to discuss at least 3 topics of your interest and meet at least 30 new M&A lawyers from around the world.

Table topics
1. Current trends in "hot" due diligence topics
2. Current trends in government intervention: FDI, merger control and more
3. Current trends in impact of AI on M&A transactions
4. Current trends in directors' liability in M&A transactions
5. Current trends in private equity transactions

This session will be a review and discussion of key terms in joint venture agreements between investors and developers.

Mediation is a well established form of dispute resolution. Many judges were involved with it in practice. Many judges return to it after completing public service. Is it a good idea? What are the befits of judicial support for mediation? Is it an appropriate adjunct for formal court processes? What are the appropriate mediation processes around the world? Do these vary between Africa, Asia, America and Europe? Should retired judges act as mediators?

This session will delve into the transformative effects of emerging technologies on the mining industry. Experts will examine the roles of Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cybersecurity in optimising operations, enhancing safety, and improving regulatory compliance, while also addressing potential risks and ethical considerations.

This panel will discuss the various strategies and methods to successfully navigate transactions that involve life science companies, including licensing and research & development collaborations.

The UN Millennium Goal One, dealing with eradicating extreme poverty, is a soft law of international law. It represents the public interest worldwide. States are obligated under International Law to make good faith efforts to comply with it. Similarly, lawyers and the legal profession are ethically obliged to promote law reform that furthers the public interest. Therefore, the legal profession and lawyers must advocate for law reform and practise law to promote UN Millennium Goal One. The focus of this session will be on the practical ways in which lawyers can integrate UN Millennium Goal One into their legal practices. Thus, the panel will discuss how to empower the most vulnerable through promoting and seeking the achievement of UN Millennium Goal One through advocacy, reform, and practice. 

Consumer claims are becoming more prevalent. Access to justice and the growing recognition of consumer rights are one factor behind this. At the same time governments in many countries are trying to stimulate growth through encouraging enterprise and innovation. Producers can be caught between balancing these competing risks and opportunities. Are we achieving an appropriate balance of risk as between consumers and producers? Should producers accept greater risk of product claims? How will that impact innovation? Is it becoming easier for consumers to bring and prove their claims? European Union (EU) moves in this area include a change of approach to presumptions of defect and a shift in the evidential burden for consumers. Is this fair? This session will take a cross-jurisdictional perspective on these questions, looking at the status quo and what is on the horizon for consumer product liability claims across the globe.

Wild fires and natural disasters- force majeure no more, but a case for liability? As the climate crisis worsens, natural disasters are no longer unforeseeable acts of god, but consequences of the states’ failure to effectively combat climate change. What are the remedies that our legal systems hold for the victims?

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.

An open committee business meeting where all members and Officers are invited to learn more about the current and upcoming activities and developments of the Committee.