The 2nd Annual Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB) Kenya Young Arbiters Conference 2024, held on March 22nd at the University of Nairobi Main Campus, served as a thought-provoking platform to explore innovative solutions for the future of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Africa. Under the theme 'Securing the Future of Arbitration: Solutions for Africans by Africans,' this student-led conference aimed to deepen the understanding and appreciation of arbitration and ADR while fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing.
Prominent figures in the legal fraternity, including Mr. John Ohaga, SC, C.Arb, FCIArb, Managing Partner at Triple OK Law LLP, and Mr. Charles Kanjama, SC, FCIArb, Managing Partner at Muma and Kanjama Advocates, graced the event with their esteemed presence. The keynote address, titled "Harnessing the Power of the Youth in Shaping the Future of Arbitration: Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for Africa," underscored the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the future landscape of arbitration.
The conference delved into critical aspects crucial for the advancement of arbitration in Africa. The significance of legislative reforms, investment in arbitration-friendly infrastructure, regional integration, technological advancements in arbitration, and the crucial role of youth engagement and capacity building were highlighted as key pillars for a sustainable future.
Addressing the imbalance in international arbitration, the speakers passionately advocated for diversity, emphasizing the need for African arbitrators to claim their rightful place on the global stage. The discussions underscored the urgent need for legislative reforms tailored to the African context and substantial investment in arbitration infrastructure and training initiatives. Regional integration emerged as a pivotal theme, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between domestic and international arbitration.
The transformative potential of technology in advancing arbitration was also explored, leveraging digital resources to disseminate knowledge and foster greater awareness. A resounding call was made for youth engagement and empowerment, recognizing the collective responsibility to equip the next generation with the skills and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of arbitration.
Enlightening panel discussions further enriched the dialogue, focusing on key topics essential for shaping the future of arbitration across the continent. The panels covered a wide range of subjects, including an introduction to arbitration and ADR, securing the future of arbitration with African-driven solutions, navigating the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and arbitration processes in Africa, and addressing the high costs of arbitration as a potential barrier to its attractiveness as a dispute resolution tool.
Panelists from diverse career backgrounds shared their unique insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities in arbitration and ADR in Africa. The conference proved to be a resounding success, paving the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for arbitration in Africa, driven by the energy and vision of its youth.
As the curtains closed on this thought-provoking event, a collective commitment emerged to champion innovation, diversity, and youth empowerment in the realm of dispute resolution. The future of arbitration in Africa lies in the hands of its youth, and this conference served as a testament to their unwavering dedication and innovative spirit in shaping a brighter tomorrow for the continent's arbitration landscape.
