New york: The Kingdom of Bahrain participated in the 83rd session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group II (Dispute Settlement), held from February 16-20 at United Nations Headquarters.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Professor Marike Patrani Paulsson, Secretary-General of the Council for International Dispute Resolution, took part in the UNCITRAL Colloquium alongside representatives of Singapore, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and UNCITRAL leadership. The discussions focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dispute resolution and remote hearings in arbitration and mediation.
Professor Paulsson addressed the use of AI in mediation and remote mediation, highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on party engagement, procedural design, and access to consensual dispute resolution. She proposed that Working Group II consider conducting a mapping exercise on current practices in online mediation and the use of AI, followed by identifying related legal and practical issues and exploring potential guidance to assist States in regulating and supporting such practices.
She also highlighted the issue of official protection in disputes involving State entities and suggested that UNCITRAL consider legislative support in this area.
Through its participation, Bahrain reinforced its engagement in UNCITRAL’s work on technology-enabled dispute settlement and its commitment to modern frameworks for international commercial dispute resolution.