26 - 27th November 2026
AALCO Annual Arbitration Forum 2026
Resolving Differences in a Changing World by Staying True to the Bandung Spirit
Register
Date
November 26, 2026
Venue
Sheraton Hotel
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Early bird discount**Early bird discount – Only HK$2,000 if paid before 31st Oct 2026 or first 300 places signed up (whichever is earlier)
Information
About the Forum
Marking the 70th anniversary of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, the forum brings together leaders in law, business and policy to forge new paths in international dispute resolution.
Dates
Thu - Fri, 26-27 Nov 2026
>10 Law Society CPD points being applied for
Venue
Sheraton Hotel
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Format
In-person
with online broadcasting
Language
English or Chinese
with translation
Target Audience
Legal practitioners, in-house counsel, arbitrators, business leaders, diplomats, and policymakers from Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Registration Fee
HK$5,000 (US$1,000)
for 2 days
Early bird discount – Only HK$2,000 if paid before 31st Oct 2026 or first 300 places signed up (whichever is earlier)
Complimentary Admission
Ambassadors, Consuls General, Deputy Consuls General, officers of Host Country China, Leaders of Business Chambers, General Counsel and Head of Legal of international businesses, members of the press, judges, judicial officers, professors, deans, law and business school students are eligible to apply for complimentary registration.
All applications are subject to confirmation by AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre.
Programme
Morning
Day 1
Registration desk opens
Opening Ceremony
Welcome Remarks (up to 10 minutes each):
Mr Paul Lam, SBS, JP, Secretary for Justice, the Government of the HKSAR
Commissioner, OCMFA
H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General, Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO)
Representative, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR
Motion of thanks: Prof the Hon Nick Chan, BBS, MH, JP, Director of AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre
Group Photo
Unveiling of the Joint Mediation and Arbitration Clause
MoU Partners Group Photo Session
Group photo of all AALCO-HKRAC MoU partners and supporting organisation representatives
Keynote Speech: “AALCO at 70 years young – Past Achievements, Present Focus and Future Developments”
The speech will cover AALCO’s birth, vision, mission, role at the United Nations, contribution in shaping constitutions, conventions, economic developments with law of the sea, space convention and e-commerce studies, protection of cultural relics, human rights improvements, AI governance and beyond, and the establishment, role and purpose of the six regional dispute resolution centres since the 1970s.
H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General, AALCO
Economist presentation on economic growth projections and opportunities in and between Asia and Africa
Presentation on economic growth projections and opportunities in and between Asia and Africa.
Economist or representative from investment bank, corporate bank, HKTDC or university
Session 1: The Bandung Spirit in a Changing World
A 30-minute address reflecting on how the creation of AALCO right after the 1955 Peace Conference in Bandung helped change the course of history, and how its ten principles of peaceful coexistence and collaboration between 49+ member countries could be key to restore peace and advance economic, societal and legal developments in this increasingly geopolitical world.
Afternoon
Day 1
Networking Lunch with LawTech short presentations
Session 2: The AI Revolution in Legal Practice: Access, Ethics, and the Transformation of the Profession
This session moves beyond the narrative of efficiency gains for large firms to critically examine how AI is fundamentally reshaping legal practice across all segments of the profession. We explore AI not merely as a cost-reduction tool but as a catalyst for redefining the roles of lawyers, in-house counsel, and adjudicators; the nature of legal reasoning and service delivery; and the architecture of dispute resolution itself.
Session 3: A Robust Dispute Resolution Network for the Global South and Beyond
This session showcases the collective strength of arbitration and dispute resolution institutions across the Global South and beyond. It is no longer limited to AALCO’s regional arbitration centres. Representatives from AALCO’s regional centres, as well as other leading arbitration institutions from Russia, Africa, Mainland China (e.g., CIETAC, BAC) and beyond, will discuss their institutional frameworks, rules, caseloads, and synergies.
Networking refreshment break
Session 4: GoGlobal I – Construction, Infrastructure and Foreign Investment: Best Practices and Dispute Resolution
This session focuses on the legal and dispute resolution challenges faced by Asian enterprises investing in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects across Africa, the Middle East, and emerging markets. Topics include EPC contract risks, government concessions, financing arrangements, multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses, and best practices. Case studies of Chinese-invested infrastructure projects in Africa — disputes arising from EPC contracts, financing arrangements, and government concessions.
Session 5: GoGlobal II – Technology and IP Licensing, Commodity Trading, Robotics and Emerging Industries
This session explores the unique legal and dispute resolution challenges facing technology and IP licensing/trading, robotics, and emerging industry sectors as they expand into Asia and Africa. Topics include cross-border IP registration and protection, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution strategies for fast-moving sectors.
AALCO 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner (By invitation only)
The Gala Dinner is by invitation only and is not included in the standard registration package.
Keynote Toast: “70th Birthday Toast for AALCO”
Cultural performances bridging Asia & Africa
Sponsors
Organisers
AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC)
Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO)
Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office (HKILTTO)
Strategic Partner
International Organization for Mediation (IOMed)
Key Sponsor
Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Key Supporting Organisations (International Organisations)
Hague Conference on Private International Law
International Institute for the Unification of Private Law
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
Court of Arbitration for Sport
Supporting Organisations
