The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) unveiled new ICC Rules of Mediation earlier this month at a global launch conference attended by some of the company representatives set to benefit from the new Rules, together with leading experts in mediation and dispute resolution.

Coming into force on January 1, 2014, the new ICC Rules replace the ICC ADR Rules that have been used for amicable dispute resolution worldwide since 2001. The new Rules have been adapted to help parties resolve even the most complex cross-border disputes quickly and reliably. Changes include the setting of mediation as the default technique, as well as increased support from the ICC International Centre for ADR, the body administering the new Rules.

Andrea Carlevaris, director of ICC Dispute Resolution Services and secretary general of the ICC International Court of Arbitration,® who gave a welcome address at the launch event, said: “The new ICC Mediation Rules strike a good balance between two essential elements of a modern and efficient dispute resolution tool: clarity of the procedural framework and flexibility. In-house counsel and other representatives of businesses played an important role in the drafting process and made sure that the result responds to the needs of users.”

Available in eight languages, with further languages ready soon, the Rules are accompanied by a new publication for users, the ICC Mediation Guidance Note. They were revised by a taskforce of 90 specialists from 29 countries – made up of mediation users, mediators, counsel and other dispute resolution experts – and validated by ICC’s Commission on Arbitration and ADR, whose members represent some 100 countries.

Read more on the ICC website.

Staff contact: Josefa Sicard-Mirabal