2025 Washington Arbitration Week

“The New Frontier in Mining Disputes and International Arbitration: Tensions between Project Viability, Environmental Concerns and Social Licenses,” moderated by Lee Caplan, will examine the rising complexity of mining disputes as economic demands, stricter environmental regulations, and community expectations converge. The panelists will discuss how these conflicts span multiple forums, from domestic courts to international arbitration. Panelists will also highlight key issues such as land access, regulatory changes, and community impacts, and explore emerging trends in dispute resolution across jurisdictions.

“Space Law in the New Space Age: Sovereignty, Resources, and Dispute Resolution,” moderated by Ucheora Onwuamaegbu, will explore the legal and political challenges of space resource exploitation as private companies and States expand their activities beyond Earth. Panelists will discuss the impact of the Artemis Accords on international space law, especially in relation to the Outer Space Treaty’s principles. The session will address questions of ownership, liability, and dispute resolution for space resources, and consider whether a new legal framework is emerging for the governance of outer space.

“Making Investment Dispute Settlement More Accessible to SMEs” will address the barriers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in accessing effective dispute settlement, including high costs and complex procedures. Panelists will discuss recent reform efforts, such as advisory centres and streamlined arbitration, aimed at making investment dispute mechanisms more accessible for SMEs. Panelists will also explore both immediate and long-term solutions to improve access to justice for SMEs in investment arbitration.