Understanding the Singapore Convention on Mediation

In December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a significant convention known as the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, which is more commonly referred to as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation".

• The treaty was opened for signatures in 2019, with the signing ceremony being hosted by Singapore, making it the first UN treaty to be named after the city-state.
• The convention officially came into effect on September 12, 2020.
• As of September 1, 2020, 53 countries have signed the convention, including major global players like China, the United States, and India.

Significance of the Singapore Convention on Mediation

The Singapore Convention on Mediation is designed to simplify and streamline the resolution of cross-border disputes through effective mediation procedures. It provides businesses with a uniform and efficient framework for the enforcement of international settlement agreements resulting from mediation.

• One of the key features of the convention is that it makes settlements reached by parties binding and enforceable, following a simplified and streamlined procedure.
• The convention also promotes cost and time savings, which are essential elements of dispute resolution via mediation.
• By facilitating international trade and commerce, the convention contributes to economic development.
• Additionally, the convention plays a significant role in the development of a mature, rule-based global commercial system.

Singapore Convention (SC) Week 2022

The Singapore Convention Week took place in August and September 2022.

• The event was organized by the Singapore Ministry of Law in partnership with other organizations. It featured a series of legal and dispute resolution-related events spanning an entire week.
• The centerpiece of the Singapore Convention Week was the UNCITRAL Academy, which included the UNCITRAL Academy Conference and the UNCITRAL Academy Capacity-Building workshop. These were jointly organized by the Singapore Law Ministry and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
• The theme of the UNCITRAL Academy Conference was "Embracing Global Change, Navigating New Possibilities".

Additional Resources Related to the Singapore Convention on Mediation