2025 is a landmark year for the Young ICCA Mentoring Programme, marked by expansion, innovation, and a renewed sense of community. Now in its 12th cycle, the programme continues to thrive as a global initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of international arbitration professionals.

This year, we kick-started 33 mentoring groups across the globe, welcoming 142 mentees into the programme. Each mentee was introduced to their Group Advisor and Mentor, forming the foundation for a two-year cycle of learning, collaboration, and professional development. The diversity of participants and mentors reflects the truly international nature of Young ICCA, with representation spanning continents and legal traditions.

To foster a sense of continuity and shared experience, we organised a catch-up call in March with all Group Advisors. This session served as a bridge between the 11th and 12th cycles, with senior advisors warmly welcoming their new colleagues. The call was rich with insights, as experienced advisors shared practical tips, offered availability for collaboration, and reflected on their journeys within the programme. It was a moment of mentorship in action, peer-to-peer support that exemplifies the spirit of Young ICCA.

One of the most exciting developments this year was the decision to open our online interviews to the public. Traditionally reserved for programme participants, these sessions now offer a glimpse into the mentoring experience for anyone curious about international arbitration. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees not only joining in large numbers but also actively engaging—asking thoughtful questions and contributing to lively discussions.

The 2025 sessions so far included:

• Claus Von Wobeser, interviewed by Camille Ramos-Klee, with mentees Richard Boampong, Julian Morales, Lynn Fouad, and Daniela Carvalho Meira.

• James Hosking, interviewed by Chloe Baldwin, with mentees Oscar Figueroa Diaz, Nicolas Caballero, Elisa Zavala, and Lucia Rodrigo.

• Anne K. Hoffmann, interviewed by Leonardo Ohlrogge, with mentees Chloé Heydarian, Jaime Salgado, Absalão Romão Mapanze, Alba Crespo Vildosola, and Kuandyk Yelamanov.

• John Ohaga SC, interviewed by Magdalena Bulit Goñi, with mentees Alia Said, Alexandra Gerdes, Gabriele Miscia, and Margarita Drobyshevskaya.

• Ulrike Gantenberg, interviewed by Mihaela Apostol, with mentees Oleksandra Azizova, Saeed Moomin, Layan Al Fatayri, and Nika Gorodnicka.

• Prof. Jan Kleinheisterkamp, interviewed by Ankita Godbole, with mentees Stefan Dobrijević, Leen Ghishan, Elena Golbert, and Fatih Koçak.

While opening up the interviews broadened access, we maintained exclusive opportunities for programme participants. A highlight was an online session with Meg Kinnear, who spoke candidly about current challenges in investment arbitration and offered invaluable career guidance. The latter part of the session was dedicated to answering questions from mentees, resulting in a dynamic and engaging exchange that left a lasting impression.

Another remarkable aspect of this year has been the initiative shown by mentoring groups themselves. For example, Amanda Lees’s group organised an interview with Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS, focusing on arbitration opportunities in Asia and career development for young practitioners. Mentees Li Jilong, Changqin Wang, Huahua Chen, and Ziqi Yin led the conversation with professionalism and curiosity.

Similarly, Jessica van der Kamp brought together several mentoring groups for a collaborative meeting to discuss career challenges and share perspectives on topical issues in international arbitration. The session spanned 14 time zones, underscoring the global reach and connectivity of the Young ICCA community.

Looking ahead, planning is underway for the 2025 Mentoring Programme Retreat, which will take place in October in Paris. This event will serve as a celebratory farewell to the 11th cycle participants, offering a mix of reflection, networking, and—true to Young ICCA tradition—a bit of fun.

As we move through the 12th cycle, the Young ICCA Mentoring Programme continues to evolve, driven by the energy and commitment of its mentors, advisors, and mentees. The programme remains a cornerstone of professional development in international arbitration, and 2025 has proven once again that when young practitioners are given the tools and support to grow, they rise to the occasion with creativity, initiative, and excellence.

As Julio’s two-year term as Co-Director of the Mentoring Programme comes to an end, he shares this reflection:

“Closing my two-year term as Co-Director has been a privilege—and a chance to give back, even in a small way, to the community that shaped me. As Professor Tercier reminds us, mentorship is a chain we each can—and should—carry forward. What made this role truly special were the people: the outstanding mentors, group advisors, and mentees the Programme brings together. My heartfelt thanks to the ICCA Bureau and the Co-Chairs for making this possible; to Professor Tercier, whose vision and efforts sustain the Programme; and to my fellow Co-Directors, Courtney Furner and Raquel Macedo Moreira—it was a joy and a privilege to work with you, and I’m lucky to now call you close friends.”

As Co-Directors, we’re immensely proud of what this community has built—and grateful for the lasting relationships it has forged. Here’s to the next cycle and to carrying mentorship forward.