Dr. Adelia Jansen Van Rensburg Highlights Africa’s Interim Solutions to Global Trade Disputes

Dr. Adelia Jansen Van Rensburg, WTO Chair of South Africa at North-West University, delivered a keynote presentation on “The WTO Dispute Settlement System in an Era of Geopolitical Fragmentation” at the international conference held on 19–20 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The event, organized by the IRIC WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) Chair and OBREAL Global Observatory, served as a prelude to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference and brought together global trade experts, policymakers, academic leaders, and WTO Chairholders from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Revisiting transparency standards in investor–state dispute settlement vis-a-vis third-party funding: how much transparency is too much transparency?

This article examines the relationship between transparency and legitimacy in investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) jurisprudence, particularly in the context of Third-Party Funding (TPF). The initial section of the paper scrutinizes transparency as a vital facet of legitimacy, spotlighting recent measures aimed at enhancing procedural openness. The subsequent section assesses the disclosure dynamics of TPF arrangements in ISDS. It probes the implications of mandatory disclosure obligations, particularly those concerning the disclosure of the funding agreement.

Solución de controversias comerciales en el sistema multilateral

En el marco del Programa de Cátedra OMC-CR, perteneciente a la Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, se busca generar y compartir conocimiento, posicionando a la región centroamericana a la vanguardia de los temas relevantes para el comercio internacional.

Solución de Controversias Comerciales

En este curso se analizan las diversas formas de solucionar disputas comerciales entre Estados. Se analizan los distintos mecanismos de solución de controversias en el ámbito multilateral con la normativa de la Organización Mundial de Comercio (OMC), en el ámbito regional con el Mecanismos de Solución de Controversias Comerciales entre Centroamérica y en el ámbito que ofrecen los diversos acuerdos comerciales suscritos por Costa Rica.

Call for Papers: 2025 Taipei International Conference on Arbitration and Mediation

The Chinese Arbitration Association, Taipei (“CAA”), and the Asian Center for WTO & International Health Law and Policy, College of Law, National Taiwan University (“ACWH”) will jointly host the “2025 Taipei International Conference on Arbitration and Mediation” from 28 to 29 October 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Theme

From Confrontation To Coexistence: An Appeal Opt-Out Arrangement As An Inclusive Approach To Revive The WTO Dispute Settlement System?

Resolving the crisis in the dispute settlement system is a priority issue for the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Members have made sustained efforts in this regard. Since the Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12), discussions on the dispute settlement system have entered a new phase, focusing on facilitator-organized meetings and proposals from Members. The reform negotiations have made some progress, but still face a number of significant challenges, in particular with regard to the appellate procedures.

Dr. Adelia Jansen van Rensburg, WTO–WCP Chair at NWU, Strengthens Collaboration with International Trade Law Specialists at NWU’s Faculty of Law

In 2025, Dr. Adelia Jansen van Rensburg, WTO–WCP Chair at the North-West University, deepened cooperation between the School of Economic Sciences and the International Trade Law specialists in NWU’s Faculty of Law. This growing partnership reflects the Chair’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary engagement that advances both research and policy impact.

WTO Model of Ecuador trainnig sessions

The first Ecuador WTO Model kicks off with training sessions delivered by 7 distinguished speakers:

First WTO Simulation Model in Ecuador

This is an initiative of the WTO Ecuador Chair of the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar Sede Ecuador in collaboration with the WTO Chairs Programme, which will take place from October 16-19, 2024 at the campus of the Universidad Andina Sede Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador.

The registration fee is USD $30.00 which covers:
The Model Kit
Refreshments during the 4 days of the event
Training during the months prior to the event
Certificates

The Problems of Using the Latest Institutional Arbitration Rules for Investment Treaty Disputes

International arbitration institutions have been requested to administer an increasing number of investment disputes. In investment arbitration, a responding state usually stipulates its standing offers to arbitrate in the bilateral investment treaty (BIT). When choosing a specific arbitration institution to settle an investment dispute, the arbitration rules of that organization become the procedural rules governing the arbitral proceeding.

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