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Editorial

Dear Reader,

 

We present to you the fifth edition of Young ICCA Voices, which explores the question of: “International Arbitration: Local, Global or Both?”  This question is also the theme of the 27th ICCA Congress, taking place in Madrid on 12-15 April 2026.

 

Through this edition, our authors explore several topics attempting to balance both the local, individual effects of international arbitration with its macro, more globally focused themes and trends.  In particular, articles herein include:

  • The role of lex mercatoria in tariff disputes;
  • Anti-suit injunctions and enforcements thereof;
  • Regionalizing global norms of environmental, social and governance standards;
  • Intra-EU investment arbitration; and
  • Economic sanctions under Chinese law.

 

Additionally, we present a moderated debate and discussion between Mr. Thomas Lehmann and Ms. Anubhuti Raje, who are, respectively, the winner and first runner-up of the Young ICCA 2026 Essay Competition.  Mr. Lehman and Ms. Raje debated the question: From lex mercatoria to lex regionis? Are we quietly replacing the idea of a universal commercial law with regional private‑law ecosystems that don’t fully interoperate?  This is followed by a discussion to find common ground between the debaters, and explore if there are identifiable regional schools in international arbitration, and what benefit can be gained from importing international standards compared with cultivating locally-tailored solutions. 

 

As always, we are endlessly grateful for the dedication and hard work of many individuals, including Stanimir Alexandrov (ICCA President), Lise Bosman (Executive Director, ICCA Bureau), Paula Baldini (Deputy Executive Director for Publications, ICCA Bureau), Lucy Burns (ICCA Bureau), Siri Lundqvist (ICCA Bureau), Anandini Saha (ICCA Bureau), the YICCA Co-chairs, and Muskaan Chawla (Arbridge Chambers & Solicitors, New Delhi. We are truly grateful to each one of them for their support. 

 

We hope you will find this fifth issue of Young ICCA Voices interesting and informative.  We welcome any and all feedback concerning this issue or content for upcoming issues at voices@youngicca.org.  

 

We wish you a very pleasant reading!

 

Manini Brar and Alex Haden (Young ICCA, Editorial Co-Directors)

Eva Chan, Gustavo Kulesza, and Katrine Tvede (Young ICCA, Co-Chairs)