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This year’s UNCITRAL Academy takes on special significance, coinciding with two major milestones — the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL, and SGLaw200 - 200 years since Singapore’s modern judicial and legal system was established via the Second Charter of Justice in 1826. The programme will reflect on the principles that have shaped international trade and dispute resolution, while looking ahead to the challenges of a changing world.

The UNCITRAL Academy comprises a Conference and Industry Capacity-Building Workshop which will be held on 25 August 2026, and a Government Capacity-Building Workshop which will be held on 27 August 2026.

The Conference and Industry Capacity-Building Workshop will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at the Shangri-la Singapore.

The Government Capacity-Building Workshop, conducted on 27 August 2026, will also be held in hybrid format across two sessions. The second session is open to invited government officials only.

Registration is free.

Click here for the UNCITRAL Academy 2024 Report, for reference.

25 August 2026, Tuesday

09:30 - 10:05

START OF CONFERENCE

 

WELCOME ADDRESS

Speaker:
Edwin TONG SC, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs


OPENING REMARKS

Speaker:
Anna JOUBIN-BRET, Secretary of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law

10:05 - 10:55

PANEL DISCUSSION

TRUST AS THE NEW CURRENCY: VALUES IN A TECH-DRIVEN WORLD

10:55 - 11:15

COFFEE BREAK

Held as part of the UNCITRAL Academy Conference and in partnership with the SIMC, this workshop focuses on the practical application of AI in mediation and will complement and build on the broader discussions taking place at the Conference.
 
Through a presentation and panel discussion, participants will learn how AI tools can support mediators in managing complex, multi‑party and cross‑border disputes. The session will also explore key considerations relating to responsible use, access to justice and emerging governance frameworks — including the role of UNCITRAL and whether early standards may be needed to guide the development of such technologies.

*This workshop is a hybrid event with in-person attendance at Shangri-La Singapore.

12:40 - 14:15

NETWORKING LUNCH

14:15 - 14:30

VIDEO PRESENTATION ON THE RATIFICATION PROGRESS OF THE SINGAPORE CONVENTION ON MEDIATION

14:30 - 15:20

PANEL DISCUSSION

BACK TO BASICS – THE HUMAN ELEMENT IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION

15:20 - 15:40

COFFEE BREAK

15:40 - 16:30

FIRESIDE CHAT

16:30 - 17:30

DEBATE

TRUST ME, I’M A LAWYER – LAWYERS WHO USE AI ARE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THOSE WHO DON’T

17:30

END OF CONFERENCE

25 August 2026, Tuesday

Held as part of the UNCITRAL Academy Conference and in partnership with the SIMC, this workshop focuses on the practical application of AI in mediation and will complement and build on the broader discussions taking place at the Conference.
 
Through a presentation and panel discussion, participants will learn how AI tools can support mediators in managing complex, multi‑party and cross‑border disputes. The session will also explore key considerations relating to responsible use, access to justice and emerging governance frameworks — including the role of UNCITRAL and whether early standards may be needed to guide the development of such technologies.
 
*This workshop is a hybrid event with in-person attendance at Shangri-La Singapore.

27 August 2026, Thursday

*This event is a hybrid event.

*This is a by-invitation-only hybrid event for government officials.

Programme is accurate as at 3 June 2026. Please visit this page for updates.*