Eighty-second session

The eighty-second session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group II: Dispute Settlement, took place from October 13 to 17, 2025, in Vienna, Austria. This session focused on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of international commercial arbitration and mediation.

Key topics addressed included the development of expedited arbitration provisions aimed at reducing the costs and duration of proceedings, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The Working Group also examined the incorporation of the UNCITRAL Supplementary Provisions into the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, considering their impact on the operation of these rules. Additionally, discussions covered the recognition and enforcement of electronic arbitral awards, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks that accommodate digital advancements in dispute resolution.

The session featured a colloquium on the use of artificial intelligence in dispute resolution and remote hearings in arbitration and mediation. This event provided participants with opportunities to engage in discussions on integrating electronic processes into dispute resolution, fostering networking among professionals and experts in the field.

Legal professionals, policymakers, and academics interested in the evolving landscape of dispute resolution in the context of technological innovation would have found this session particularly relevant. Attendees gained insights into the latest developments and best practices for addressing disputes in the digital era.