What Happens in Singapore, Does Not Stay in Singapore

The first Global Pound Conference event was held in Singapore on March 17-18. Over 400 people participated in the event. Attendees came from all over the world including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Pakistan, Great Britain, Fiji, and more.

Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon used his Opening Address to outline changes in the economic landscape that will lead to an increase in cross border disputes and the recognition that access to justice needs to remain a priority. He outlines how Singapore is responding to better shape the future of dispute resolution and improve access to justice.

First he emphasized “appropriate” dispute resolution rather than “alternative” dispute resolution. This shift recognizes the broader tools available to disputants that may be invoked even before a legal action. The key is customization of the dispute management and resolution process to meet the parties’ needs. The Chief Justice emphasized that this shift will not diminish the role of the courts, instead, the courts will hold a special place as “guardians of the rule of law and ultimate resolver of disputes”.

Second there is greater collaboration and sharing of information among the courts and governments around the world creates frameworks and international best practices that lead to processes to meet the needs of users in both civil and common law countries. The exchange of information occurs through Conferences, memorandum of understanding and guidance adopted in multiple jurisdictions to address questions of law, and Conventions on enforcement of court judgments to name a few.  These efforts improve consistency of outcomes across jurisdictions and will reduce incentives for parties to “forum shop”.

Third, there is recognition and embracing of the internationalism of delivery of legal services. Singapore already recognized the increase in foreign lawyers practicing in the country and instead of restricting access, established a common disciplinary and regulatory framework to manage and strengthen the global talent pool thereby strengthening Singapore’s position as a legal hub in Asia.

The Chief Justice proudly reviewed the many institutions established in Singapore to promote effective dispute resolution. The institutions include the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore Mediation Institute and the Singapore International Mediation Centre. These institutions are now joined by the launch of the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy, dedicated to training and educational excellence in dispute resolution.

The Chief Justice’s remarks kicked off two days of vigorous discussion that was “no holds barred”.  The information collection at this event is the beginning of the road to understand and transform the dispute management and resolution landscape. Polling on Core Questions was followed by panel discussions that gave context and definition to the event. To see the Singapore data go to: 
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3/28/16Go to http://www.globalpoundconference.org/conference-series/attend-a-gpc-series-event#.Vvn0KxJ94bl to find an event near you.

For me, three themes were apparent. First, the courts will continue to play an important role in the development and evolution of dispute management and resolution. Second, law schools and continuing education programs will support and enhance knowledge of effective dispute process and sharing of best practices. Third, technology will play an important role in the future delivery of dispute management process. These are my reflections but there may be other areas seen by different stakeholders that may or may not form a thread with future events. You can access pictures, videos and other information collected in Singapore by going to the Facebook, Twitter and Linked-in links on the Singapore website at http://singapore2016.globalpoundconference.org/Pages/default.aspx#.VvCsMsfDNSV

Deborah Masucci
Chair, International Mediation Institute
deborah.masucci@imimediation.org 
www.imimediation.org

The Global Pound Conference Series – Further publications

Data will defeat “the deadening drag of status quoism”: The Global Pound Conference Series has kicked off.
By Michael Leathes
Mediate.com

More on the Global Pound Conference
By Ian Macduff
Kluwer Mediation Blog

Global Pound Conference Series Launched in Singapore
By Dalma Demeter 
Arbitration Asia

The Global Pound Conference Series 
By Deborah Masucci, Michael McIlwrath and Jeremy Lack
ABA Dispute Resolution Magazine, Winter 2016

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