In recent years, there has been a growing focus on dispute settlement mechanisms available under international law. Both States and private actors are increasingly recognising the potential of these mechanisms to resolve their differences and enforce rights across various domains, including in regard to investment issues, climate change measures, international conflicts, and deep seabed mining. Understanding how to access and utilise these international dispute settlement mechanisms is crucial for firms operating across borders and for States in their international engagements.

​

Join us for an engaging seminar that delves into the key issues and latest developments in dispute settlement mechanisms under international law, with a particular emphasis on dispute settlement in the context of deep seabed mining in international waters and recent cases of significance in the field of public international law, and the broader lessons they offer for international dispute resolution.

​

Attendees at our seminar can look forward to learning about:

• The International Seabed Authority (ISA), its role under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its governance of deep seabed mining in the parts of the seabed that are outside of national jurisdiction (known as the Area). The Area is rich in several key mineral resources that could be critical to realising the energy transition and net zero goals. As such, it presents significant opportunities for private contractors and States.

​

• The latest developments at the ISA and its negotiations of regulations governing exploitation of mineral resources in the Area, which it is aiming to adopt in 2025. Once adopted, these regulations are poised to set a key precedent in international law, incorporating and setting best environmental practices for seabed mineral activities.

​

• Korea’s role at the forefront of this work, including as one of the few ‘pioneering investors’ in deep seabed mining in the Area under UNCLOS, as a holder of contracts for undertaking exploration activities in the Area, and through its active engagement with negotiations of regulations governing commercial exploitation of resources in the Area.

​

• The unique dispute settlement mechanism established under UNCLOS for deep seabed mining in the Area. This mechanism includes the ability of private contractors to bring claims directly against States and the ISA at the international level, providing much needed certainty for investors through an avenue to enforce their rights.

​

• Recent investor-State arbitration decisions, which have wider implications for international disputes.

​

These insights into the international legal regime governing deep seabed mining will be contextualised within broader trends in international dispute settlement. They will also be accompanied by an update on key public international law cases over the last 12 months. This will ensure that attendees can gain a broader perspective of the international dispute settlement landscape, and relevance of these topics to their work.

​

The seminar will also provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the leading professionals in these areas, ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between international law and emerging global disputes.