Washington, D.C., July 21, 2025 — Gonzalo Flores, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Bank Group’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), will retire at the end of October 2025, following a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years at the Centre.

Gonzalo joined ICSID as Legal Counsel in June 1998 and has served in various senior legal and managerial roles at the Centre, culminating in his election as Deputy Secretary-General by the ICSID Administrative Council in 2016. Through his tenure, Gonzalo has been instrumental in shaping ICSID’s institutional development and its establishment as the world’s leader in international investment dispute resolution.

As Deputy Secretary-General, Gonzalo has worked closely with ICSID’s Secretary-General and the leadership team to ensure the Centre’s delivery of world-class services. He served as Secretary of Tribunals and Annulment Committees in more than 70 cases, oversaw the administration of more than 500 ICSID proceedings, and frequently served as Acting Secretary-General. He has also played a key role in ICSID’s capacity-building initiatives, helping to broaden understanding of international investment dispute mechanisms among States, investors, and legal practitioners worldwide.

Gonzalo’s contributions leave an enduring legacy at ICSID. He will conclude a distinguished period of service marked by leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law in international investment dispute resolution.

“Gonzalo’s illustrious career with ICSID has been defined by his significant contributions, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to the Centre, its clients and stakeholders, as well as to the advancement of international investment dispute resolution. I am very grateful for Gonzalo’s friendship and collegiality over the years. He has been not only a trusted colleague, but also a mentor and a source of guidance for ICSID staff, counsel and arbitrators alike. He will be greatly missed,” said Secretary-General Martina Polasek.

“It has been a privilege to serve at ICSID for nearly three decades, alongside the best colleagues and friends one could wish for. I take pride in what we have accomplished together, shaping ICSID’s institutional role and advancing international investment law. I look forward to continuing contributing to the peaceful settlement of international disputes in a different capacity and wish the best to my colleagues. I have every confidence that, under Martina’s guidance, they will continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence,” said Deputy Secretary-General Gonzalo Flores.

ICSID will soon begin the selection process for a new Deputy Secretary-General.