Manama: The Council for International Dispute Resolution of the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the second edition of the “Hawar Circle” on the Hawar Islands, Bahrain with the participation of prominent figures in the field of arbitration from London, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Singapore, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Republic of India.
This edition builds on the discussions launched during the inaugural “Hawar Circle”, which brought together 14 leading arbitration practitioners to revisit and develop the core principles of arbitration, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and setting future standards in the arbitration community.
The gathering continues to focus on reviewing and renewing the foundational standards of arbitration, inspired by the “Centenary Principles” of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London. Building on the groundwork laid in the first edition, this year’s “Hawar Circle” turns its attention to three key areas: Immunity, Professional Ethics, and the Right of Representation in international arbitration.
Participants examined key practical challenges in international arbitration, encourage the exchange of experiences, and promote cooperation to continue identifying principles that contribute to effective dispute resolution. The discussions will contribute to the ongoing development of the “Hawar Principles”, first initiated in the inaugural edition, which remains subject to a global review period ahead of their final adoption.
The concept underpinning the “Hawar Circle” draws on the historical gatherings that have played a defining role in shaping the path of international arbitration, most notably the 1961 Geneva meeting known as the “Chambésy Circle”, which paved the way for the establishment of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA). This historical inspiration underscores the initiative’s aspiration to forge a fresh framework for global collaboration in advancing the practice of arbitration.
