Agenda

Interested in speaking? Contact Samantha Richardson at Samantha.Richardson@LBResearch.com.

3 June 2026

9:00 am-9:30 am

Welcome coffee and registration

9:30 am-9:35 am

GAR welcome remarks

9:35 am-9:45 am

Chairs' opening remarks

Ruth Byrne KC
Ruth Byrne KC Partner, King & Spalding
Samantha Rowe
Samantha Rowe Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton
9:45 am-10:30 am

Fireside chat

10:30 am-11:30 am

Arbitration in an era of geopolitical upheaval: what role for ISDS and the rule of law in a fragmented world?

In an increasingly tense global landscape, effective dispute management requires a sharp understanding of rapidly shifting political and economic realities. This session explores how practitioners can navigate geopolitical tensions to achieve durable resolutions, while also asking: can investor-state arbitration withstand growing challenges and continue to uphold the international rule of law?

  • What can we expect for existing and future ISDS claims against Venezuela? Will creditors finally secure payment of past arbitral awards? What protections can investors expect going forwards?
  • As differences in energy, climate, and broader policy continue to emerge on both sides of the Atlantic, what disputes can we expect to see? Is ISDS up to the task?
  • How has ISDS responded to disputes arising from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict?
  • What is the future growth potential for ISDS arising from new trade agreements and alliances that are emerging from the current climate?
Manuel Casas
Manuel Casas Barrister, Twenty Essex
Jonathan Gimblett
Jonathan Gimblett Partner, Covington & Burling
Merwan Lomri
Merwan Lomri Senior Disputes Manager, TotalEnergies
11:30 am-12:00 pm

Networking break

12:00 pm-1:00 pm

Quantum in a time of geopolitical uncertainty

Handling quantum evidence in the current climate demands sharper tools and clearer judgement. This session explores how to work effectively with quantum experts to secure the best possible outcomes.

  • How does geopolitical uncertainty complicate quantum calculations?
  • Best practice for completing a DCF calculation in an ever-changing political landscape
  • Is it time to consider innovative and unconventional approaches to quantifying damages?
  • Can new tools such as AI help navigate these difficulties?
1:00 pm-2:00 pm

Networking lunch

2:00 pm-3:00 pm

AI and Arbitration – do the benefits outweigh the risks?

As AI rapidly reshapes arbitral strategy and procedure, its advantages – and its downsides – are becoming impossible to ignore. This session examines how AI-focused regulations may affect dispute settlements, and how you can safely and effectively use AI in your cases to achieve the best outcome.

  • Are you using AI to its full potential in arbitration?
  • Where should we draw the line on AI in deciding arbitration cases?
  • Top use cases for AI in ISDS proceedings
  • Mitigating risks associated with AI use in ISDS proceedings
Patrick Taylor
Patrick Taylor Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton
3:00 pm-3:30 pm

Networking break

3:30 pm-4:30 pm

What Would You Do?

In this session, our esteemed panellists will recount a scenario that posed a particularly difficult conundrum relating to arbitrator challenges, before pausing the narrative and asking the audience: what would you have done? This session offers a unique opportunity to benchmark your own approach against thought leaders in the field of international arbitration.

Lucy Winnington-Ingram
Lucy Winnington-Ingram Counsel, Reed Smith
Cyrus Benson
Cyrus Benson Independent Arbitrator, 4 New Square Chambers
Sarah Lancaster
Sarah Lancaster Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers
Tom Sprange KC
Tom Sprange KC London Managing Partner, King & Spalding International LLP
4:30 pm-4:40 pm

Chairs' closing remarks

Ruth Byrne KC
Ruth Byrne KC Partner, King & Spalding
Samantha Rowe
Samantha Rowe Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton