October 6, 2021: The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and ICSID are pleased to announce that they have entered into an Agreement on General Arrangements. The agreement was signed on behalf of CEDR by James South, Chief Executive of CEDR, and on behalf of ICSID by Meg Kinnear, Secretary-General of ICSID. 

The agreement builds on the strong foundation of cooperation that exists between the two institutions—particularly in the area of international investment mediation. ICSID and CEDR have an established track record of partnering on training programs for mediators and government officials that are tailored to the international investment context.

The agreement affirms ICSID and CEDR’s goals of enhancing technical collaboration between the two institutions moving forward. It also provides for the possibility of reciprocal use of facilities for dispute resolution proceedings and other meetings.

“Together, ICSID and CEDR have made tremendous progress in developing the pool of mediators who are equipped to mediate international investment disputes, as well as in preparing parties to effectively engage in the mediation process,” said Meg Kinnear. “This new cooperation agreement signifies our intent to further strengthen the ties between our organizations for the benefit of States and foreign investors.”

James South added: “CEDR prides itself in driving innovation in the use of effective dispute resolution techniques. Our cooperation with ICSID in relation to the use of mediation for the resolution of investment disputes is a wonderful example of how cooperation between dispute resolution organizations can be a driving force behind innovative change.”