​The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and the International Energy Charter jointly organized a 3-day training course tailored for mediators in investor-State disputes. The training took place from June 12 to 14, 2017 at ICSID's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and was attended by participants from all regions of the world.

The 3-day interactive training covered the context, framework and practice of investor-State dispute settlement. The goal of the training was to provide experienced mediators with knowledge and skills necessary to mediate investment disputes. Participants were either experienced mediators who had previously completed at least 40 hours of basic mediator training and/or practical mediator experience, or government officials interested in learning about investor-State mediation. The successful completion of the course led to an IMI Certification in Investor-State Mediation Competency and recognition as a CEDR Mediator (Investor-State Disputes).

On the first day, participants explored the framework of investor-State dispute settlement, as well as specific process considerations and design aspects of investor-State mediation. On the second day, participants considered intercultural competency, process design, the effective conduct of an investor-State mediation, and ethical considerations raised in such mediations.  The interactive teaching methodology was especially effective in giving participants a realistic learning experience. The final day of the training was devoted to evaluating the knowledge and skills of the mediators through assessment role plays specifically designed for investor-State mediation.  

The faculty included Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, principal of Cabinet Joubin-Bret; Mr. Alejandro Carballo-Leyda, General Counsel of the International Energy Charter; Mr. Wolf von Kumberg, Arbitrator and Mediator, ArbDB Chambers; Dr. Karl Mackie, Chief Executive of CEDR; Ms. Frauke Nitschke, Senior Counsel at ICSID; and Mr. James South, Global Director of Training and Consultancy of CEDR. Mr. Mark Appel, Member of ArbDB Chambers joined as assessor on the third day.

The 3-day training was followed by an Investor-State Mediation Conference on "Perspectives from States, Mediators & Practitioners" on June 15, 2017. The event brought together State representatives, mediators and investor-State dispute settlement practitioners, who addressed mediation from different perspectives. The event was co-organized by ICSID and the Center on International Commercial Arbitration, American University, Washington College of Law. For more information, please click here.

 
Trainers and participants during the Investor-State Mediator Training, June 12-14, 2017, Washington, D.C.