Opening Speeches
- Welcome Remarks by the Director of the LIAC-BBA Professor Najib Hage-Chahine
- Inaugural Address by His Excellency the Minister of Justice Me. Adel Nassar
- Inaugural Address by His Excellency the Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morcos
- Commencement Address by President of the Beirut Bar Association Me. Fadi Masri
Can Beirut become the Capital of Arbitration in the Arab World ? From Historical Foundations to Future Potential
Panel Description: This panel will explore the potential of Beirut to emerge as the central hub for arbitration in the Arab world. Drawing on its rich history and strategic location, our esteemed speakers on this panel will discuss the historical foundations, current trends, and necessary steps to elevate the status of Beirut in the arbitration world.
Opening Cocktail Reception
Join us for the Opening Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, from 17:15 to 19:00, on the first floor of Maison de l’Avocat. All registered attendees are invited to enjoy an evening of refined Lebanese hors d’œuvres and signature beverages. This reception offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow delegates, engage with our distinguished speakers, and toast the formal commencement of Beirut Arbitration Days.
Presentation of the Lebanese and International Arbitration Center of the Beirut Bar Association by the Director of the LIAC-BBA
In this session, the Director of the LIAC-BBA will provide an overview of the Center’s institutional mandate, governance structure and key activities, with particular emphasis on the New LIAC-BBA Arbitration Rules. The presentation will demonstrate how these rules govern case administration, ensure procedural efficiency and uphold fairness, and will highlight the Center's initiatives designed to reinforce Lebanon’s arbitration framework and foster collaboration across the region.
Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine
Strength in Numbers or Too Crowded? Can Multiple Arbitration Centers Thrive Together?
This panel will examine the proliferation of arbitration centers throughout the Middle East and North Africa, including those in Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Speakers will discuss whether having multiple centers in one region fosters beneficial collaboration and diversity, or results in market saturation and duplication of services. By exploring each center’s unique strengths and potential overlaps, the panel aims to offer insights into how these institutions can coexist and thrive.
Ethics in Arbitration: Challenges, Solutions, and Codes of Conduct
This panel will delve into the ethical dilemmas that arise in arbitration, from conflicts of interest and confidentiality concerns to the often-debated practice of “double-hatting.” Speakers will assess whether certain local rules or norms risk falling below recognized international best practices, and whether a coherent “minimum standard” of ethics truly exists—or should exist—across jurisdictions. The discussion will reference real-life cases, examine various codes of conduct, and provide actionable guidance for practitioners aiming to uphold the highest ethical standards in international arbitration.
Navigating Damages and Costs in Arbitration: Strategies and Best Practices
This panel will explore the evolving landscape of damages and costs in arbitration, focusing on emerging trends such as third-party funding, cost-capping measures, and the use of new technologies to streamline processes. Drawing on recent high-profile arbitral decisions, speakers will highlight best practices for managing the risks and complexities of calculating damages, allocating costs, and ensuring transparency. By combining theoretical frameworks with real-world examples, the panel aims to equip practitioners with actionable strategies to achieve fair and efficient outcomes in arbitration proceedings.
Marie-Antoinette Airut
Rania Khoury
Celine Abi Habib Kanakri
Richard McConn
Bassam Mirza
Karim Nassif
Mastering Cross-Examination and Advocacy in International Arbitration: Insights from Arbitrators, Experts, and Counsel
This panel will examine the art and science of cross-examination and advocacy in international arbitration, drawing on firsthand experiences from arbitrators, expert witnesses, and counsel. Speakers will discuss effective strategies for preparing witnesses, tailoring questioning styles to different legal traditions, and addressing cultural nuances in cross-border disputes. Real-world case examples will illustrate how skilled advocacy can sway tribunals, ensuring fair and efficient proceedings. Attendees will gain practical insights into honing cross-examination techniques, refining advocacy approaches, and aligning best practices with the evolving demands of international arbitration.
Between Bench and Tribunal: Do Arbitration and the Judiciary Cooperate or Compete?
This panel delves into the evolving interplay between national courts and arbitral tribunals, examining whether they ultimately reinforce or undermine one another. Panelists will discuss how each system’s procedures, rulings, and interventions can shape the broader landscape of dispute resolution, touching on topics such as judicial oversight of arbitration, enforcement of awards, and collaborative best practices. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world tension points and promising pathways for achieving both efficiency and fairness when courts and arbitration meet.
War, Energy and Arbitration: Rethinking Risk Allocation in a volatile Region
This panel examines how armed conflict and geopolitical volatility influence risk allocation in energy disputes, covering both commercial arbitration and investment arbitration. Speakers will discuss contractual tools (such as force majeure provisions), enforcement challenges, and the nuances of arbitration procedures that cater to volatile contexts. Drawing on real-world cases, the panel will highlight best practices for drafting contracts, managing unforeseen crises, and adapting both commercial and investment arbitral mechanisms to address disruptions caused by war and political upheaval.
AI in IA: Artificial Intelligence in International Arbitration
This panel will examine the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the practice of international arbitration—from automated document review and data analytics, to predictive assessment of legal outcomes and enhanced language translation tools. Speakers will address the opportunities AI offers for increased efficiency and accuracy, as well as the potential drawbacks and ethical considerations surrounding confidentiality, data security, and bias. Attendees will gain practical insights into current AI applications, emerging technologies, and the future trajectory of AI-driven dispute resolution in the global arbitration community.
Vincent Slingerland
Antoine Kanaan
Khalifah Al Yaqout
Dr. Khodr Fakih
Sana Belaïd
Dr. Chady Saad
Fireside Chat with Lebanon's Minister of IT & AI HE Kamal Shehadi and Mr. Maroun Chammas: Crafting an E-Justice Future
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with H.E. Mr. Kamal Shehadi Lebanon’s Minister of Information Technology & Artificial Intelligence and Mr. Maroun Chammas, President of the Association of Petroleum Importing Companies (APIC). Discover Lebanon’s strategy in introducing AI and transforming the justice system and what is needed and contemplated for a purposeful action in building a future ready society, from e-courts and regulatory frameworks to public–private partnerships. Gain concise, strategic insights on balancing innovation with ethical oversight and positioning Lebanon as a regional digital justice leader.
H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadi
Maroun Chammas
Claudia El Hage
Beirut Arbitration Days Mock Arbitration Proceedings
Join us for a hands-on demonstration of international arbitration practice at the Beirut Arbitration Days Mock Arbitration Proceedings. This interactive session will feature a staged hearing that mirrors real-life disputes, showcasing every key step—from opening statements and witness examination to final arguments and the issuance of an arbitral award. Throughout the mock proceedings, seasoned arbitrators, counsel, and experts will offer real-time commentary, sharing insights on best practices, common pitfalls, and effective advocacy techniques. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of both procedural frameworks and practical strategies, making this event an invaluable learning experience for professionals and newcomers to the field alike
H.E. Prof. Ibrahim Najjar
Dr Ghaleb Mahmassani
Soraya Corm-Bakhos
Antonia Birt
Karim Nassif
Sarah Malik
Closing Remarks by the Director of LIAC-BBA
As the inaugural edition of Beirut Arbitration Days draw to a close, Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine will deliver a capstone address synthesizing the key insights shared throughout the event and unveiling a strategic roadmap to cement Beirut’s emergence as a leading arbitration hub.
Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine