Last week Mian Sheraz Javaid in Australia, the Australian Dispute Resolution Association (ADRA) hosted an insightful event, "Beyond Conflict: Dispute Resolution in Tomorrow's Society," at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney. This gathering of leading professionals and thought leaders explored the evolving role of dispute resolution in shaping future societies. I was honored to be invited by Dr. Katherine Pavlidis Johnson, President of ADRA, with the invitation facilitated by Josephine Reyes.


Day 1: Key sessions included Dr. Rajesh Sharma’s take on the Singapore Convention as a life approach, and Mary Walker's exploration of international mediation standards. Professor Tania Sourdin discussed AI's role in dispute resolution, while Dr. Peter Condliffe highlighted Australia's global mediation leadership. Dr. Katherine Pavlidis Johnson shared her experiences in Mongolia, demonstrating how mediation can play a pivotal role in societal reconstruction. Honorable Deputy Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea Ambeng Kandakasi emphasized mediation's role in nation-building in Papua New Guinea. Jennifer Scott concluded the day with a discussion on "Peacebuilding and Dispute Resolution," drawing from her experience in Mongolia to illustrate how these practices are essential for building a peaceful global society.

Day 2: Opening the session with Hon. Cameron Murphy MLC positioning Australia as a leader in dispute resolution, emphasizing the importance of these practices for national and global stability, Dr. Konstantin Pavlidis explored the psychological dimensions of conflict resolution, offering insights into how internal disputes can be effectively managed. Ruwan Wathukarage discussed how mediation can lead to broader social and economic benefits, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes. Linda Heng and I emphasized mediation's role in nation-building across Asia Pacific, narrowly in Singapore and Pakistan. Professor Professor Laurence Boulle and Allan Parker, OAM provided forward-looking perspectives on mediation’s role in addressing global challenges, from climate disputes to the importance of emotional intelligence. This event went beyond the scope of typical conferences by uncovering the profound depth and scientific foundations of dispute resolution and its critical impact on nation-building. The insights shared during these two days underscored the transformative power of effective dispute resolution in creating a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient global society.