ICC YAAF: A Decade of Impact - Knowledge. Momentum. Leadership
Online & In Person Lagos, Nigeria and OnlineJoin us for a special ICC YAAF Africa event, part of the 10th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration, celebrating its milestone anniversary. The session will look back on professional journeys within the network and examine how arbitration practice is evolving, highlighting emerging areas, sector-driven disputes, and new opportunities for practitioners.
Objective
International arbitration continues to evolve in response to shifting commercial dynamics, regulatory developments, and the growing complexity of cross-border disputes. Over the past decade, ICC YAAF Africa has played a key role in supporting the development of practitioners across the continent, contributing to a more connected and dynamic arbitration community.
As part of the 10th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration, this anniversary event provides an opportunity to reflect on that journey while considering how both arbitration practice and the role of practitioners continue to evolve. The programme brings together experienced professionals to share practical insights on career development and the changing nature of arbitration work.
The discussion will explore the professional paths of former ICC YAAF Africa representatives, offering perspectives on how careers in arbitration develop over time and the role of networks, leadership, and strategic choices in shaping those trajectories. It will also examine how the practice itself is evolving, including the rise of sector-driven disputes, changing regulatory environments and the increasing need for specialised expertise.
Participants will gain practical guidance on navigating these developments, building relevant expertise and positioning themselves in emerging areas of arbitration. The session will remain grounded in real-world experience, with a focus on equipping practitioners to operate effectively in an increasingly dynamic and competitive international environment.
Who should attend?
This ICC YAAF event is designed for young legal professionals interested in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution more broadly, who wish to engage with peers and experienced practitioners. It offers a valuable opportunity to exchange insights, expand professional networks, and connect with a diverse community of practitioners from across the arbitration field.
This conference will be held in a hybrid format. Registration is mandatory; please select either an in-person pass or an online pass to support event planning and on-site arrangements.
In-Person Attendance
- Time: 16:00-19:10 (WAT)
- Venue: Lagos Continental Hotel
- Address: 52A Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
- Telephone +234 201 330 5870
Online Attendance
- Virtual Time: 16:30 - 19:10 (WAT)
- Time Zones: 15:30 - 18:10 (GMT) | 17:30 - 20:10 (CEST/SAST) | 18:30 - 21:10 (EAT)
- Access: Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Contact us at iccdrs-africa@iccwbo.org
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16:00-16:30 |
Welcome of Participants and Registration
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16:30-16:40 |
Welcome Address and Introduction to ICC YAAF
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16:40-16:50 |
Special Remarks
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16:50-17:40 |
Panel I - Service and Leadership: Career Journeys through ICC YAAF This panel brings together former ICC YAAF Africa representatives to share their career trajectories from early practice to leadership roles in international arbitration. Through candid reflections, speakers will explore how they entered the field, built professional credibility, and navigated key challenges along the way. They will also highlight the impact of their involvement with ICC YAAF on their development, offering practical insights on career progression, service, and long-term leadership in the arbitration community.
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17:40-17:50 |
Q&A session
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17:50-18:40 |
Panel II - Emerging Areas, Emerging Practitioners This session explores how arbitration practice is being reshaped by new sectors and evolving dispute drivers, including digital assets, climate change and carbon markets, the creative economy, sports, fashion, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property, alongside increasingly complex commercial disputes in areas such as joint ventures, infrastructure, and regulated industries. The discussion will examine how these trends are driving the growth of specialised practices and creating new opportunities for practitioners. Speakers will also consider how emerging professionals can develop relevant expertise, adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, and strategically position themselves in an increasingly dynamic and sector-focused arbitration market.
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18:40-18:50 |
Q&A session
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18:50-19:00 |
Closing Remarks
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19:00-19:10 |
Vote of Thanks
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At ICC, we believe that through training and mentorship, we can shape the next generation of leading international arbitration and ADR experts. Through the ICC Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (YAAF) network, we are able to better inform, connect, and inspire young professionals with interests in dispute resolution and dispute avoidance.
Throughout the world, ICC YAAF organises a number of educational and social events that allow young professionals to discover best practices, discuss topical issues, network, and create meaningful connections with experienced practitioners.
