The Alliance Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ACADR) at the School of Law of Alliance University has been working towards promoting the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for resolving disputes. ACADR recently organized two events, a workshop on "Negotiation and Mediation in Dispute Resolution and Techniques" and a webinar on "International Investment Treaty and Dispute Resolution" with the aim of spreading awareness and knowledge about alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The workshop on "Negotiation and Mediation in Dispute Resolution and Techniques" was attended by law students, legal professionals, and individuals interested in alternative dispute resolution techniques. The workshop’s speaker was Adv. Gaurav Singh Gaur, Senior Associate at King Stubb & Kasiva, Bengaluru, who shared his expertise on the subject with the attendees.

Adv. Gaurav Singh Gaur provided a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of negotiation, including how to prepare for negotiation competitions and the Mediation Bill. He emphasized the importance of communication skills, active listening, and empathy in negotiation and mediation, which are essential for successful resolution of disputes. Additionally, he provided tips on how to communicate effectively, build rapport, and identify potential areas of agreement during a negotiation.

Attendees found this segment particularly useful, as it provided them with practical tools to improve their negotiation skills and prepare for future competitions. Adv. Gaurav Singh Gaur also conducted a negotiation demonstration, which provided a practical understanding of the concepts covered during the session. The outcomes of the event were highly positive, with attendees gaining valuable insights into the nuances of negotiation and mediation.

The second event organized by ACADR was a webinar on "International Investment Treaty and Dispute Resolution" featuring Mr. Ernest Nana Adjei, Minister-Counsellor, Political and Economic Affairs at the Ghana High Commission, New Delhi, as the guest speaker. The event was attended by approximately 150 participants.

Mr. Ernest Nana Adjei discussed investment treaty clauses and dispute resolution options under investment treaties. He focused on the growing need for an efficient dispute resolution process to help investors safeguard their investments, particularly in the international arena. Mr. Adjei explained the historical perspective of International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), the structure of BITs, and Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and contemporary issues and challenges of investor-state arbitration (ISA) in circumstantially. He also shared his personal views and experiences on the concepts and gave 'Do's and Don'ts' tips to law students.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Ernest Nana Adjei emphasized the need for a collaborative effort from both the investors and the host countries to ensure a conducive environment for investment. He also acknowledged the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving disputes effectively and efficiently. The webinar session included a Q&A session where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts. The questions ranged from the challenges faced by countries in attracting foreign investments to the importance of dispute resolution mechanisms in the current business landscape.

The two events organized by ACADR helped in spreading awareness and knowledge about alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The workshop on negotiation and mediation provided practical tools and insights to improve negotiation skills, while the webinar on international investment treaty and dispute resolution helped in understanding the growing need for efficient dispute resolution processes to help investors safeguard their investments.

The events were well received by the attendees, who appreciated the informative and insightful sessions. The workshops and webinars organized by ACADR not only helped in educating and training individuals in alternative dispute resolution techniques but also promoted the use of such mechanisms for resolving disputes effectively and efficiently.