UNCITRAL Days in the Arab States

In an increasingly digital world, disputes related to technology are inevitable. UNCITRAL's work on technology-related dispute resolution is shaping the future of how these conflicts are managed.

The UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group II has been developing model clauses and guidance for resolving technology disputes since 2022 while keeping in mind three common objectives; expeditious dispute resolution, comprehension of technical matters, and maintaining confidentiality.

This seminar, a joint effort between the College of Law at HBKU and UNCITRAL is part of the UNCITRAL Arab Days 2024. It is particularly relevant for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a region undergoing rapid digital transformation and seeking to establish itself as a leader in the digital economy. The seminar will explore the progress made so far and its implications for the GCC and its rapidly evolving digital economy.

Key topics of discussion include:

• Regional Integration, Digital Economy, and Technology-Related Disputes: Explore how the GCC can harmonize its approach to tech-related dispute resolution to foster a thriving digital single market.
• Early-Stage Startups: Understand the unique dispute resolution needs of startups in the tech sector and how to protect their innovations.
• Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Crypto Assets on Technology-Related Disputes: Dive into the complexities of disputes arising from these cutting-edge technologies.

This seminar will provide valuable insights to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds such as legal professionals, technology entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and anyone involved in the digital sector.

Welcome remarks

Speakers

Background Reading

1. Draft UNCITRAL Model Clauses on Specialised Express Dispute Resolution (SPEDR)
2. Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
3. Stocktaking of developments in dispute resolution in the digital economy – future work proposals
4. Georgios Dimitropoulos, ‘Law and Digital Globalization’ (2022) 44 U Pa J Int’l L 41