1. GNLU CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
is proud to present the
Venue: GNLU, Gandhinagar
Dates: March 18 to 23, 2024
GCADR COURSE ON INVESTMENT TREATY
ARBITRATION (DAYS 1-4)
AND
GCADR INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
CONFERENCE (DAYS 5-6)
About GCADR:
The GNLU Centre for Alternative
Dispute Resolution (GCADR) was
established in 2010 at the Gujarat
National Law University with a
dedicated mission to promote
knowledge, training, and research in
the field of Alternative Dispute
Resolution. Under Faculty Advisor
Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Gandhi, the Centre
has consistently worked towards
organizing various training
programs, certificate courses,
conferences, and seminars since its
inception.
GCADR ARBITRATION WEEK
CONSISTING OF
2. The GNLU Centre for Alternate Dispute Resolution
(GCADR) is buzzing with excitement as we announce
the very first 4-day Investment Arbitration Course and
2 Day International Arbitration Conference happening
at GNLU, Gandhinagar, from March 18 to March 23,
2024. Get ready for an epic event!
In today's interconnected global economy, cross-
border investments play a pivotal role in fostering
economic growth and cooperation. However, with
increased international business activities, the
likelihood of disputes arising also surges. This is
where investment arbitration emerges as a vital
mechanism, offering a structured and efficient way to
resolve conflicts between investors and states. It
serves as a crucial pillar for maintaining a balanced
and conducive environment for international
investments.
The heart of our event is the comprehensive 4-day
Investment Arbitration Course, curated to provide
participants with a profound understanding of the
essential aspects of investment arbitration.
INTRODUCTION TO THE
PROGRAM
Led by distinguished international arbitration
practitioners and academicians, including the
esteemed Prof. Kaj Hober, Dr. Kabir Duggal, Dr. Ylli
Dautaj, Dr. Prabhash Ranjan and Ms. Shwetha Bidhuri,
the course promises to unravel the intricate web of
investment arbitration. Participants will delve into the
fundamental basics, gaining insights from the practical
experiences of these eminent figures.
Get ready to level up your investment arbitration game!
Our course isn't just about stuffy theory. We're all
about practical know-how and hands-on practice that
will make you a pro at handling real-world investment
disputes. Further you will also get access to
networking spaces, library and reading material in soft
copy.
But wait, there's more! The cherry on top is the GCADR
International Arbitration Conference happening on
March 23rd and 24th, 2024. It is a chance to network
with the brightest minds, practitioners, and scholars in
the field. You'll get to explore new ideas, share your
thoughts, and network with the global arbitration
community.
The GCADR International Arbitration Conference
promises an intellectually stimulating environment
featuring panel discussions among leading
practitioners and judges. It is an excellent chance to
engage in thought-provoking conversations on the
latest trends and challenges in international and
investment arbitration.
We hope to include you on this exciting journey where
we blend knowledge with practice and contribute to
taking investment arbitration to the next level. It's
going to be a game-changer, and we can't wait to have
you on board! All participants of the course will get
complementary access to the conference!
3. INAUGURAL
ADDRESS Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar
Director
Gujarat National Law University, Gujarat, India
Dr. Jagadeesh Chandra T. G.
Registrar (I/C)
Gujarat National Law University, Gujarat, India
4. Prof. Dr. Kaj Hobér
Kaj is a leading and distinguished figure
in the field of international arbitration
(commercial and investment). He has
been the chair, sole arbitrator, and party-
appointed arbitrator in over 200
arbitration matters pursuant to various
rules and ad hoc matters. He was
previously a partner with the leading
Nordic law firm, Mannheimer Swartling.
As a scholar, professor Hobér not only
taught at Uppsala University for many
years, he also established the LLM
programme on ITA, and on top of that
(as if it was not enough) he has published
extensively – including ICA in Sweden
(Oxford), ECT – a commentary (Oxford),
Investment Treaty Arbitration –
Problems and Exercises (Edgar), and
much much more.
PRESENTATION OF LECTURERS
Dr. Ylli Dautaj
Ylli currently teaches as a lecturer in commercial law at
Brunel University London. He also teaches as an adjunct
professor at Penn State Law. Ylli graduated with a PhD
from University of Edinburgh (UK) as a stipendiary
scholar of the Scottish Graduate School for Arts &
Humanities. Ylli practices out of Stockholm, Sweden, at
DER Juridik. He represents clients in planning, drafting,
negotiating, and disputing commercial agreements – in
both litigation and arbitration, domestic and
international. Ylli has published extensively with various
leading law journals, books, and book chapters such as
Kluwer International, Brill Research Perspectives,
Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business,
Fordham International Law Journal, Cornell
International Law Journal, The International Lawyer,
Manchester Journal of International Law, American
Review of International Arbitration, Cardozo Journal of
Conflict Resolution, Indiana Journal of Global Legal
Studies.
5. Kabir focuses his practice on international investment
arbitration, international commercial arbitration and
public international law matters, serving as arbitrator,
mediator, and counsel. He also frequently serves as an
expert on international arbitration and public
international law matters. Kabir has received several
accolades for his work in international arbitration and
public international law. He was awarded the Hind
Rattan ("Jewel of India") award which is the highest
diasporic award for people of Indian origin. He is also
listed as a Thought Leader in International Arbitration by
Who's Who Legal, both in the Global leader category
(2022) and in the inaugural US edition (2023). He was the
youngest practitioner to be listed in the Global Listing of
Arbitrators by Who's Who Legal (2020) and has been
recommended by Legal 500 US for "International
Arbitration," was listed as a "Super Lawyer" in the New
York metro region (since 2019), and is listed as a "Rising
Star" in Commercial Arbitration by Euromoney Legal
Media Group (2019 and 2021).
Dr. Kabir Duggal Dr. Prabhash Ranjan
Prof. (Dr.) Prabhash Ranjan, a PhD holder from King’s
College London, also pursued an LLM at the School of
Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) through a British
Chevening Scholarship. Specializing in international
investment and trade law, Prabhash is a faculty member at
JGU, having previously worked at institutions like the South
Asian University and the National Law University Jodhpur.
He contributed to the drafting of the 260th report of the Law
Commission of India and served as an expert witness before
the Parliamentary committee on External Affairs. Prabhash
has contributed to leading international journals such as the
Netherlands International Law Review, ICSID Review,
Journal of World Trade, Journal of World Investment and
Trade, Asian Journal of International Law, Cambridge
International Law Journal, George Washington International
Law Review, Northwestern Journal of International Law and
Business. He is also a regular contributor of opinion
editorials to India’s leading national newspapers like The
Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.
6. Shwetha Bhiduri
As the Director & Head of South Asia at the SIAC, Ms.
Shwetha Bidhuri oversees SIAC’s activities in South Asia,
works with regional stakeholders on dispute resolution
matters, and facilitates dissemination of necessary
information on arbitration at SIAC and in Singapore. She
enrolled as an Advocate in 2007 and holds an LLM. Prior to
joining SIAC, Shwetha worked in the dispute resolution
practice of a leading law firm in New Delhi for nearly a
decade on commercial litigation cases and a number of
investment treaty arbitrations involving India. She has
worked on leading cases which have contributed to the
development of law affecting global companies. She is also
an expert faculty on International Arbitration at NALSAR,
Hyderabad.
7. MONDAY
(18 March, 2024)
Day 1: Treaty Law
pre-requisite: knowledge in public international law and international arbitration
Introduction to The Course
9:30am – 10:00am:
SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE
Background to ITA, Treaty
Interpretation and Definition of
Investor and Investment
10.15am-11:30am:
This session will focus explaining
the background to the ISDS regime,
how to interpret BITs and the core
concepts of who is an investor and
what is an investment in the
context of ITA.
State Responsibility and
Attribution
11.45am – 1:00pm:
This session will focus on how to
determine State Responsibility, as
well as the foundational principle
of Attribution of acts to the State.
Substantive Protection in
Investment Arbitration
2:30pm – 4.00 pm:
This session will briefly explain the
kinds of substantive protections that
an investor has under the ISDS
regime. This would include a
discussion on Umbrella Clauses,
MFN Clauses, Expropriation, Full
Protection and Security, and Fair and
Equitable Treatment (FET).
Emergency, Necessity, and Police
Powers
4:15pm – 5.30 pm:
This session will focus on the
defenses and exceptions available to
a State. This will include a brief
discussion on the concepts of
Emergency, Necessity and the
Doctrine of Police Powers.
8. TUESDAY
(19 March, 2024)
Day 2: Procedural
Aspects of Investment
Treaty Arbitration
pre-requisite: knowledge in public international law and international arbitration
Procedural Aspects in a
Nutshell
9:30am – 11:00am:
This session will focus on an
overview of the procedural aspects
in an Investment Arbitration.
SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE
Jurisdiction and Applicable Law
11.15am – 12:45pm
This session will focus on how
jurisdiction is established in an
Investor-State Dispute. It will also
include a discussion on what law(s)
are applicable to an investment
arbitration.
Transparency, Discovery and
Evidence
2:30pm – 4.00 pm:
This session will focus on the
principle of Transparency in
investment arbitrations. It will also
include a discussion on the
discovery process as well as the
collection and presentation of
evidence in investment arbitrations.
Remedies
4:15pm – 5.30 pm:
This session would focus on the
remedies available to the parties
involved in an investor-state dispute.
9. WEDNESDAY
(20 March, 2024)
Day 3: Procedural
Aspects of Investment
Treaty Arbitration
pre-requisite: knowledge in public international law and international arbitration
Challenges and Annulment (I)
9:30am – 11:00am:
This session will focus on
explaining how an ITA award can be
challenged, as well as the grounds
for its annulment.
SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE
Challenges and Annulment (II)
11.15am – 12:45pm
This session will continue the
discussion on challenge to an
award and the grounds for its
annulment.
Enforcement and Sovereign
Immunity (I)
2:30pm – 4.00 pm:
This session will focus on the
foundational principles involved in
the enforcement and recognition of
an award against the State, as well as
the defense of sovereign immunity.
Enforcement and Sovereign
Immunity (II)
4:15pm – 5.30 pm:
This session will continue the
discussion on enforcement and
recognition of an award and the
defense of sovereign immunity.
10. THURSDAY
(21 March, 2024)
Day 4: Trends and
Criticism
pre-requisite: knowledge in public international law and international arbitration
Regime Interaction (I) – EU Law
and ITA
9:30am – 11:00am:
This session will focus on how the
ISDS regime interacts with, and is
impacted by other regimes. The first
part will focus on the interaction with
EU Law.
SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE
Regime Interaction (II) –
Human Rights and ITA
11:15am-12:45pm:
This session will continue the
discussion on how ISDS regime
interacts with other regimes, with a
focus on the interaction with
Environment and Human Rights
laws.
Backlash and Legitimacy
Concerns
2:30pm – 3:45pm:
This session will focus on the
backlash received by the ISDS
regime, as well as the legitimacy
concerns raised by the
stakeholders.
Moderate Reforms or Radical
Transformation – The Bumpy
Road Ahead
4:00pm – 5:00pm:
This session will focus on the need
for reforms and potential
transformation of the ISDS regime.
Concluding Remarks
5:15pm – 5:45pm:
Instructor(s): Professor Kaj Hobér,
Dr. Kabir Duggal, and Dr. Ylli Dautaj
11. SCHEDULE OF THE CONFERENCE
International Arbitration Conference - Days 5 and 6
Friday
(22 March, 2024)
Saturday
(23 March, 2024)
12. General Registration( Without
Accommodation) - Rs. 13,000
General Registration (With
Accommodation) - Rs. 15,000
GNLU Students - Rs. 8,000
PRICING
INFORMATION
Hritvik Mohan, Convenor: +91 9638283347
Garvita Bhatt, Co-Convenor: +91 7600526617
Mahiya Shah, Secretary: +91 6355397293
Surya Ravikumar, Head of Hospitality:
+91 7022388797
FOR QUERIES, KINDLY CONTACT:
gcadr@gnlu.ac.in
.
REGISTRATION
LINK
Please click here to register.
Please click here to make the
payment.
