International Arbitration

International Arbitration Information by Aceris Law LLC

  • International Arbitration Resources
  • Search Engine
  • Model Request for Arbitration
  • Model Answer to Request for Arbitration
  • Find International Arbitrators
  • Blog
  • Arbitration Laws
  • Arbitration Lawyers
You are here: Home / Arbitration Award / Diversity in International Arbitration

Diversity in International Arbitration

14/02/2017 by International Arbitration

Diversity in international arbitration tribunals remains a hot topic among practitioners. Desired goals have been set on multiple occasions, especially with respect to gender diversity, and on 10 January 2017, Berwin Leighton Paisner released an annual arbitration survey (“Diversity in International Arbitration: Are We Getting There?”) to evaluate where things stand. The survey is provided below.

diversity in international arbitration

The global survey gathers statistics from around the world and reveals that diversity in arbitral tribunals is far from being achieved, whether it concerns gender, race, nationality or even age.

According to the survey, in 289 closed ICSID arbitrations from January 1972 to May 2015, “in nearly half of cases (45%), the tribunals were composed of all Anglo-European arbitrators.” ICC data on arbitral appointments also showed that, to November 2016, only 20% of arbitrators appointed had been women.

The survey shows that among the most important attributes of arbitrators diversity receives little consideration. Only 12%, for instance, regard gender as an important factor.

When the time comes to choose an arbitrator the expertise of the arbitrator was found to be the most important criteria. The survey reports that “93% of respondents felt that a potential candidate’s expertise was either ‘very important’ or ‘important’” (page 9 of the Survey). Along with the arbitrator’s expertise, efficiency was also considered to be of prime importance.

In order to increase diversity, all main actors in international arbitration proceedings can contribute. Each actor plays a role in the promotion of diversity, although to a different degree according to respondents. Statistics show that both arbitral institutions and counsel for parties, both of which can influence the selection of arbitrators, play an important role in achieving greater diversity.

Finally, the survey stands as a reminder of how important diversity is viewed in international arbitration. The inclusion of individuals of varied racial, ethnic, gender and social backgrounds is perceived to have value and to contribute to a fair procedure and influences the quality of arbitral awards.

Diversity is also relevant to widen the pool of arbitrators for greater choice and fewer conflicts of interest.


Download the PDF file .

Filed Under: Arbitration Award, Arbitration Rules, ICSID Arbitration

Search Arbitration Information

Armed Conflict and Investment Arbitration

Third-Party Funding for International Arbitration

How to Commence an ICC Arbitration

Arbitration and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

How to Remove an Arbitrator from an Ongoing Arbitration

Aceris Law Defeats Claims in Another ICC Arbitration under English Law

International Arbitration in Italy: 2022 Amendments

Appealing International Arbitration Awards

Translate


Recommended Links

  • Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
  • International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR)
  • International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
  • International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
  • London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
  • Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
  • United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
  • Vienna International Arbitration Centre (VIAC)

About Us

The international arbitration information on this website is sponsored by the international arbitration law firm Aceris Law LLC.

© 2012-2023 · IA