On 14 July 2025, the International Mediation Institute (IMI), in collaboration with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz (CMS RRH), hosted the ‘International Mediation Evening for Professionals’. As a featured event of the 2025 IBA-VIAC CDRC Mediation and Negotiation Competition, it brought together a diverse audience of global mediation practitioners and professionals, both in person and virtually, to connect, exchange insights, and shape the future of mediation.
The evening was opened with a warm welcome by Daniela Karollus-Bruner from CMS RRH, who expressed her delight at seeing Vienna become a hub for mediation experts from around the world. Ivana Ninčić Österle, Executive Director of IMI, followed with remarks on IMI’s mission and the role of each individual in advancing mediation. Referencing a quote from William Ury’s book “Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict”, she reminded participants:
“There is always a large horizon… There is much to be done. It is up to you to contribute some small part to a program of human betterment for all time.” (Frances Perkins)
The audience was introduced to IMI’s vision of transforming alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through “professional mediation worldwide”. From certification and advocacy to serving as a global resource hub, IMI continues to lead and support critical developments in the field. Attendees were also given a first look at the upcoming redesign of IMI’s website and invited to shape its development.
Help shape IMI’s platform! We warmly invite mediators and mediation advocates to share their thoughts via the IMI Website Improvement Questionnaire:
The event continued with a panel discussion moderated by Nadja Alexander (Australia/Singapore), director of SIDRA, an IMI MA QAP, featuring:
- Nenad Kovačević, Partner at CMS Belgrade
- Tat Lim, Singapore, IMI Certified Mediator and Chair of the IMI Board
- Mary Walker, Australia, IMI Certified Mediator and Mediation Advocate
- Hannah Tümpel, Germany, Member of IMI’s Intercultural Competences Taskforce
- Leonardo D’Urso, Italy, IMI Vice-Chair, ADR Center
The core topic of the panel discussion focused on the evolving role of mediation advocacy, highlighting skills development, mindset shifts, and institutional support. Panelists shared their insights into mediation advocacy practices from a comparative perspective, covering jurisdictions such as Singapore, Australia, Germany, Italy, the UAE, and Serbia. The discussion emphasised the importance of “personal touch” in mediation, particularly the sensitivity to the room’s atmosphere and the impact of the mediator’s or co-mediators’ personalities on the process. Nadja Alexander highlighted that a meaningful change in mindset is necessary, moving away from a philosophical approach “predicated upon being focused on acts rather than people”. In Nenad Kovačević’s view, dispute resolution needs rebranding, as clients are more likely to trust that mediation is a “path that’s worth taking” and an “excellent strategy” when they sense genuine support for it from their counsel.
Leonardo D’Urso also assessed eight key roles that lawyers should focus on when initiating and participating in mediation, as shown in the following graphic of the ADR Center:
Institutional support was identified as a cornerstone of effective mediation. Panelists noted that institutions are instrumental in bringing parties to the mediation table, thereby allowing mediators to facilitate the process itself. In Hannah Tümpel’s words, institutions can “level the playing field” and provide a “safety net” through procedural rules when parties struggle to agree on logistical elements. On a more informal level, institutions contribute meaningfully by offering information, guidance, and reassurance throughout the process. Mary Walker noted that “the narrative of mediation” is not always reflected in lawyers’ experiences, and that institutions have a role “to correct the narrative”. Tat Lim added that when “authorities work in tandem”, as in Singapore, it can “move the needle fairly rapidly”.
Audience questions led to further discussion on topics addressing how governments can support policy change, whether mediation training should be mandatory for advocates, how professionals navigate between litigation and mediation roles, and the role of the judiciary in developing mediation frameworks. Nenad Kovačević observed that in many jurisdictions there is only a “mere recommendation” to attempt mediation, comparing judicial encouragement of mediation to doctors recommending yoga: “Try it […], at least you will feel you did something healthy”. Hannah Tümpel proposed that establishing an international network of mediation trainers could “elevate the game” and increase awareness of the benefits of mediation.
Panelists showcased the Intercultural Competence Criteria developed by IMI, identifying six Cultural Focus Areas (CFAs) that mediators should consider when designing the mediation process. The audience was invited to reflect on these six variations and assess what might be missing or could be further incorporated into the framework.
Suggestions for additional cultural considerations included language proficiency and its impact on communication styles (e.g., sounding more aggressive in one language than another), the concept of “face” or “honour”, how the process is named (e.g., formally calling it “mediation” versus just engaging in the process), social structures, power distance (the tendency to accept authority), social rituals, and the influence of religious laws.
Your feedback is crucial for the ongoing development and impact of our Intercultural Competence Criteria.
Thomas John, Director of the CDRC Competition, brought the panel to a close by announcing the semifinalists and thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the event and supported the competition.
Networking continued both on-site and online, with Jeremy Lack facilitating a dynamic virtual discussion. Participants exchanged case law, reflected on developments in their regions, and built on themes raised during the panel. The conversation emphasized that mediation should be promoted from the grassroots level as a proactive, transformative tool for building stronger communities. The conversation ended with a shared recognition of the importance of regular engagement.
This event represented a meaningful milestone in the ongoing advancement of international dispute resolution and the promotion of professional mediation advocacy. IMI was honoured to organise and contribute to this inspiring evening and extends its sincere gratitude to CMS RRH for their support and hospitality.
We congratulate and thank the CDRC Vienna Team for a memorable week of learning, growth, and connection, and look forward to reconvening next year, as we continue building a global community committed to excellence in negotiation and mediation.
