ICC Ukraine at the meeting of the heads of national arbitration commissions in Paris

The Ukrainian National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Ukraine) continues to actively integrate into global developments in international arbitration. On March 19–20, ICC Ukraine participated in the strategic meeting of Chairs of National Arbitration Commissions, which was held for the first time in Paris.

The event brought together representatives from nearly 50 countries and was chaired by the President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Claudia Salomon. Ukraine was represented by the Chairman of the Arbitration Commission of ICC Ukraine, Oleg Malinevskyi.

Key Development Vectors of ICC

During the meeting, the status of the International Chamber of Commerce as a global “one-stop shop” for international business needs was reaffirmed. The ICC International Court of Arbitration remains a leading arbitral institution worldwide, focusing on:

• implementing new formats (including expedited procedures);
• enhancing transparency and trust in processes;
• upgrading infrastructure (including the opening of a new hearing centre in Paris);
• preparing for the entry into force of the updated Rules on June 1, 2026.

“Significant attention was given to the role of ICC National Committees and their leadership, particularly Chairs of Arbitration Commissions, as key actors in promoting and implementing ICC policies in the field of international dispute resolution at the national level, consolidating business around ICC, and advancing new initiatives.

A particularly important point made by the President was that the ICC International Court of Arbitration is much closer to national (local) business than it may appear. Already, 127 cities worldwide have served as seats of arbitration in ICC cases — opening real prospects for Ukrainian cities to be selected as arbitration venues in the future.

As for the points I raised, in addition to calling for strengthening and enhancing the role of the ICC International Court of Arbitration as a classical arbitration institution within national systems, particularly in contracts involving the state and state-owned enterprises, I also emphasized the need to expand ICC’s role in ADR — specifically in dispute prevention (risk analysis and management) and the administration of mediation in the business sector,” noted Oleg Malinevskyi.

Participation in events of this level enables ICC Ukraine not only to bring global standards to Ukraine but also to actively contribute to shaping the future of international arbitration.