New developments and innovations emerge around the world every day. But not all will have an impact on you. How then do you discern what will affect you – be it positively or negatively, so that you can take the necessary steps to either mitigate the risks and negative impact, or seize the opportunities? How can you distinguish ‘disruptions’ from ‘distractions’?

This year, the Singapore Convention Week (SC Week) 2024 will bring global thought leaders and experts to discuss this pertinent question in the field of international dispute resolution. Themed "Separating Disruptions from Distractions in an Evolving World", SC Week 2024 aims to identify potential disruptions and distractions, analyse the issues and challenges surrounding them, and explore solutions and next steps.

SC Week: The hub of expert insights on dispute resolution

SC Week is a flagship international dispute resolution event, organised by the Ministry of Law, in collaboration with various partner organisations. Spanning a week from 26 – 30 August, SC Week 2024 presents a dynamic lineup of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, debates, capacity-building workshops, lectures, networking events and site visits. These activities will bring together participants from around the world to delve into the world of international dispute resolution; share experiences, collaborate and collectively shape the outcomes in this field.

Hailing from Singapore, China, India, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and other regions, a diverse range of experts from around the world will be in attendance. Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, K Shanmugam SC; Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Edwin Tong SC; and Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Murali Pillai SC will also be speaking at SC Week events.

Event highlight: UNCITRAL Academy Conference & Capacity-Building Workshops

The UNCITRAL Academy Conference and Capacity-Building Workshops, co-organised by MinLaw and UNCITRAL, are the highlight events of SC Week 2024. These sessions offer participants the opportunity to interact with speakers and peers through panel discussions, a fireside chat, a debate and workshops, providing insights into the evolution of dispute resolution and strategies for navigating emerging challenges.

The Conference and Industry Capacity-Building Workshop will explore forward-looking topics, including Generative AI in Dispute Resolution, Net Zero Disputes, Mediation in Arbitration, and Nurturing the Next Generation of International Dispute Resolution Practitioners. In addition to these sessions, the Conference will also feature a fireside chat on the disruptions and distractions faced by the legal industry, and an engaging and exciting debate, with the motion ‘Women are Better Mediators, but Men are Better Arbitrators’.
 
The UNCITRAL Academy Industry Capacity-Building Workshops will delve into themes on the Singapore Convention on Mediation and explore strategies for States to use mediation effectively in an investment dispute.

Providing fresh perspectives and experiences through partner events

SC Week 2024 also includes a wide range of events organised by prominent institutions and organisations both from Singapore and overseas, such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore International Mediation Centre, the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, INSOL International, the International Bar Association, and the International Chamber of Commerce and American Arbitration Association – International Centre For Dispute Resolution. These partner events bring together leading professionals, experts, practitioners and policymakers from around the nation and beyond to provide fresh perspectives, wisdom and insights.

Transforming the future of dispute resolution

Our world is experiencing an unparalleled era of transformation. Adapting to new methods of communication and collaboration is essential, making it crucial for dispute resolution strategies to evolve rapidly. SC Week 2024 aims to prepare businesses, societies and dispute resolution professionals with the tools and knowledge required to navigate this new landscape effectively.

For more information about SC Week 2024, please visit www.singaporeconventionweek.sg.