The Global Mediation Community Gathered in Paris.
One of the most prestigious events in the mediation world, the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, was held for the 20th time this year in Paris. Taking place from February 3-8, 2025, the event brought together 48 university teams, over 120 professional mediators and judges, more than 100 sessions, and over 20 volunteers from around the world.
Recognized as the largest educational event focusing on the resolution of international commercial disputes through mediation, the ICC Mediation Competition provides young mediators with the opportunity to gain professional experience in a real-world setting. This event connects the next generation of mediators with some of the industry’s most distinguished experts.
Thrilling Final: National University of Singapore Wins the Championship
The grand final of the competition saw a fierce contest between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW, Australia). Competing under ICC Mediation Rules, the students demonstrated their mediation skills at the highest level, working to resolve a complex commercial dispute.
Throughout the competition, teams negotiated commercial disputes, developed creative solutions, and worked under the guidance of professional mediators to showcase their best strategies. With an outstanding performance, the NUS team claimed the championship trophy, emerging as the top team in this year’s competition.
High Praise from the Judges
The final session was judged by an esteemed panel consisting of Raffaella Maria Pileri, Joanna Campos Carvalho, David Lutran, Jody Sin, and Ido Kleinberger. The judges emphasized the exceptional performances of both teams. Judge Ido Kleinberger shared his thoughts on the competition:
“This competition is a unique opportunity not only for students but also for professionals. As mediators, our goal is to address issues collaboratively and strengthen dialogue between parties. The teams encouraged each other throughout the negotiation process, fostering an atmosphere of openness and trust. The results were extremely close, but the NUS team truly deserved this year’s championship.”
Why Is This Competition Important for the Mediation World?
The ICC Mediation Competition is not just a contest—it is a platform that helps shape the future of the global mediation community. It allows young professionals to develop their negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also providing experienced mediators with the opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of mediators.
Events like the ICC Mediation Competition play a crucial role in promoting alternative dispute resolution methods and enhancing the global adoption of commercial mediation. Mediation offers businesses a faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable way to resolve disputes.
The Future of Mediation and Education
During ICC Mediation Week, in addition to the competition, the event featured panels, roundtable discussions, and interactive training sessions. The ICC Mediation Roundtable continues to be an important platform for professionals to discuss the latest developments in the field.
Key topics such as digitalization, AI-assisted mediation, and the role of mediation in international trade were discussed, offering insights into the future of the sector.
As one of the most significant events in the mediation world, the ICC Mediation Competition once again reinforced a global culture of peaceful dispute resolution. The interactions between young professionals, industry leaders, and academics will continue to drive the development of alternative dispute resolution methods.
For 20 years, the ICC Mediation Competition has served not only as a competition but also as a school for training the mediators of the future. This event has once again demonstrated how mediation acts as a bridge in resolving international commercial disputes.
