UNCTAD is organizing a workshop in Bangkok from 18 to 21 July on the settlement of investment disputes, in cooperation with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The workshop will offer intensive training on investment dispute-related issues.
Hundreds and even thousands of investment treaties have been concluded to date, not only between developed and developing countries but also among developing countries themselves. Most such treaties contain provisions for the settlement of disputes between an investor and the host State. Many, if not most, treaties refer to the ICSID in Washington. The number of litigations using this form of dispute settlement has risen considerably in recent years, mostly between investors from developed countries and the governments of developing countries.
Developing-country governments thus attach importance to capacity-building in this area. To respond to this need, the workshop will provide a general and up-to-date review of dispute settlement procedures by the ICSID. It will also conduct intensive and comprehensive training on such key issues as the applicable law and the appropriate forum, and on procedural issues, arbitration and enforcement of decisions. Actual cases and how the decisions affect negotiation and implementation practices in developing countries will be analysed.
The workshop is open to all those whose professional activities require knowledge of investment disputes. It will cater in particular to the needs of government officials, corporate and industry advisers, trade union representatives, practising lawyers, academics and representatives of civil society. There is no fee for participation.
The workshop will be held at the International Institute for Trade and Development (Vidhayabhathana Building, Chulalongkorn University, Chula Soi 12, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; tel: +662 216 1894, 216 1895, 216 1896 or 216 1897; fax: +662 216 1898 or 216 1899). More information is available from www.unctad.org/dispute, from which the course materials can also be downloaded free of charge.
