City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has reached an agreement with Columbia Law School and China International Economic Trade Arbitration Commission to co-host the Asia-Pacific Alternative Dispute Resolution competition in August. The competition will be held at CityU and is open to students from law schools around the world.

Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Professor W. Michael Reisman, a distinguished international law expert from Yale Law School, and Justice Wan Exiang, Vice President of the Supreme People’s Court of China, will act as Honorary Patrons of the competition.

“Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, is deeply rooted in Asian societies, in particular traditional Chinese culture. It is increasingly accepted and supported by countries in Europe and North America and hence has become an important trend within the contemporary international community,” Professor Wang Guiguo, Dean of School of Law of CityU, said. “The Government of Hong Kong has been trying to establish the city as a centre for dispute resolution. Thus alternative dispute resolution is naturally a focus.”

“CityU Law School initiated the first arbitration master programme in Asia more than a decade ago and, thanks to the support from all sectors, is recognised as one of the leading programmes worldwide. The CityU Law School will continue its efforts to make the School a global centre of excellence in alternative dispute resolution,” Professor Wang said. “The Asia-Pacific ADR Competition, a tripartite arrangement with Columbia Law School and China International Economic and Arbitration Commission, has not only provided an opportunity but also promotes strength and motivation.”

The competition has received support from renowned law schools and arbitration and mediation bodies on the mainland, in Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The competition is designed to develop students’ skills in the practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution through Mediation, including effective use of advocacy and problem solving skills. The competition this year will focus on commercial disputes. It will be conducted in English. Judges will be experienced mediators from Hong Kong and overseas. Details of the competition will be announced later.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Zoey Tsang (phone: 9550 1503 / 2788 9411) of the Communications and Public Relations Office of City University of Hong Kong.