[RECAP VAW 2026] Seminar “International Dispute Resolution in Times of Turbulence: Global Trends and Vietnam’s Emerging Role”

On the morning of 26 May 2026, as part of Vietnam ADR Week 2026 – VAW 2026, jointly organized by the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) and the Vietnam Lawyers Association, the Seminar “International Dispute Resolution in Times of Turbulence: Global Trends and Vietnam’s Emerging Role” was successfully held in Hanoi. The event attracted a large number of participants from government agencies, international organizations, law firms, businesses, and domestic as well as international experts. Notably, nearly 20 arbitration and mediation institutions from across the region travelled to Vietnam to attend the Seminar.

Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC)

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh – President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC),emphasized that the world is entering a particularly significant period in which the architecture of global trade is being reshaped by geopolitical competition, the rapid restructuring of global supply chains, and the rise of technological innovation. Vietnam stands at the center of these transformations. With an economy that has surpassed the USD 500 billion mark and growth prospects among the most dynamic in Asia, Vietnam is not merely an observer but an active participant in global change. The increase in foreign investment and the growing depth of trade relationships have also led to a rise in both the volume and complexity of commercial disputes. This development places greater demands on dispute resolution mechanisms, which must be efficient, flexible, and capable of delivering outcomes that are not only legally sound but also commercially meaningful.

Signing Ceremony of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between VIAC and International Arbitration Institutions (SIAC, MIAC & KCAB)

Immediately following the opening ceremony, the Seminar witnessed an important milestone with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between VIAC and several international arbitration institutions, including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB), and the Myanmar International Arbitration Centre (MIAC). This initiative further demonstrates VIAC’s commitment to expanding its international cooperation network, strengthening connections with the regional and global arbitration community, and enhancing Vietnam’s position on the international commercial dispute resolution map.

Mr. Christopher Wing TO – Independent Arbitrator, Adjudicator and Mediator (Disputes Specialist)

Speaking at the Seminar on “Emerging Trends in International Commercial Arbitration in the Context of Technological Advancement and Global Trade Turbulence”, Mr. Christopher Wing TO – Independent Expert, Arbitrator, Mediator, and Adjudicator, provided a comprehensive overview of the major developments shaping contemporary international commercial arbitration under the dual influence of technological innovation and geopolitical change. While affirming the inevitability of adopting artificial intelligence (AI), he emphasized the need for clear ethical boundaries and robust data protection measures in arbitral proceedings. A key highlight of his presentation was his positive assessment of the Vietnamese arbitration market. With record growth in case numbers and ongoing institutional modernization through the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026, Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a flexible and reliable “new strategic destination” for dispute resolution within the region.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Quyen – Assistant Director General of the Department of International Law and Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Continuing the program, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Quyen – Assistant Director General of the Department of International Law and Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a presentation on “Vietnam’s Role in the International Dispute Resolution Framework.” In her presentation, she reviewed the major trends currently shaping the work of UNCITRAL, particularly the promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and the adaptation of dispute resolution processes to digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). From a national perspective, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Vietnam’s proactive contributions through its role as Rapporteur in Working Group II and its proposal on damage quantification in Working Group III. Looking ahead to Vietnam’s plan to serve as a member of UNCITRAL for the 2025-2031 term, the presentation also outlined strategic measures for building expert networks and strengthening the participation of Vietnamese arbitrators and legal professionals in this important multilateral legal forum.

The central feature of the Conference was the panel discussion entitled “Positioning Vietnam in the Regional Arbitration Landscape: Progress, Potential and the Path Forward,” moderated by Mr. Vu Anh Duong – Permanent Vice President cum Secretary General of VIAC. The panel brought together experienced arbitration and ADR practitioners, including Mr. Christopher Wing TO – Independent Arbitrator, Adjudicator and Mediator (Disputes Specialist); Ms. Dinh Anh Tuyet –Founding & Managing Partner at IDVN Law firm, VIAC's Listed Arbitrator; Mr. Nguyen Van Hue – Member of the Central Standing Committee, Head of the Committee for Research, Development and Dissemination of Laws at Vietnam Lawyers Association; and Mr. Dang Xuan Hop – Chairman at HopDang’s Chambers, VIAC's Listed Arbitrator.

Panel Discussion on “Positioning Vietnam in the Regional Arbitration Landscape: Progress, Potential and the Path Forward”

Against the backdrop of the continued shift of international arbitration activities toward Asia, the discussion offered diverse perspectives on Vietnam’s current position within the regional arbitration landscape and its future development prospects. The panelists observed that Vietnam is well-positioned to become an attractive venue for international commercial dispute resolution, supported by its highly open economy, increasing role in global supply chains, and the continuous improvement of its legal environment and ADR ecosystem.

At the same time, the experts candidly discussed the challenges and requirements facing Vietnam in the next stage of development. These include further refining the legal framework, enhancing the quality of arbitrators and legal practitioners, and improving the professionalism, transparency, and efficiency of arbitral proceedings. Several speakers also emphasized the crucial role of judicial support and the importance of building sustainable trust among businesses and international investors if Vietnam is to strengthen its competitiveness against leading arbitration hubs in the region.

Following the lively professional discussion, the panelists addressed numerous questions from participants concerning emerging trends in international arbitration, Vietnam’s prospects within the regional ADR ecosystem, and the practical demands placed on dispute resolution mechanisms amid an increasingly volatile global trading environment. The Seminar received a wide range of valuable contributions from both domestic and international participants, generating additional insights and recommendations for the future development of arbitration and ADR in Vietnam.

📃Event photos: See more HERE