#YoungITATalks Africa-UK
International Arbitration – Friend Or Foe Of The Energy Transition?
London, United Kingdom
Wolfson Lecture Theatre
Paul Webley Wing, North Block
Torrington Square
SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom WC1E 7HX
Registrar: +1.972.244.3403
ITA: +1.972.244.3414
Fax: +1.972.244.3401
E-Mail: ita@cailaw.org
Overview
Presented by Young ITA and SOAS University of London
Join us for a debate, in collaboration between the Young ITA Africa and UK chapters, taking a critical look at the role of international arbitration in the energy transition in Africa.
COP28 has reaffirmed the need to transition away from fossil fuels with a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. African states face the twin challenges of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which make up 80% of Africa’s energy mix, while bringing electricity to 600 million people across the continent who are currently off-grid. The energy transition touches on virtually every sector and every area of law – bringing the role of international arbitration under increasing scrutiny.
For its supporters, arbitration offers a tried and tested forum to resolve disputes between businesses or between investors and governments. It keeps the wheels of commerce turning and unlocks investment in the infrastructure and technology needed to make clean energy a reality. For its critics, arbitration – and investment arbitration in particular – is an opaque and arbitrary process which primarily serves corporations and which hinders governments from phasing out fossil fuels. And as European countries withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty, should African states rethink their own BITs?
Our speakers will be debating these issues and answering questions from the audience, as we ask “International arbitration – friend or foe of the energy transition?”
#YoungITATalks is a series of local events presented around the world, featuring talks, workshops or interviews that cover a wide range of subjects relating to arbitration. The #YoungITATalks series is designed for education, conversation and sharing knowledge and experiences among young practitioners.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, this event is tuition-free. Please register in advance to help us have an accurate headcount. This is only an in-person event.
Schedule
6.00 pm - Welcome Remarks and Introduction of Panelists
- Professor Emilia Onyema, SOAS University of London
- Hamid Abdulkareem, Three Crowns London, YITA Africa Co-chair
Debate: Is international arbitration a friend or foe of the energy transition?
6:12 pm - Session 1: Do treaty protections for investors stand in the way of the energy transition?
Speakers:
- Victoria Nalule, University of Bradford
- Farouk El-Hosseny, Three Crowns LLP, London
7.00 pm - Session 2: Does the ISDS system need a total overhaul or only light reform?
Speakers:
- Alexandre Genest, Steptoe LLP, London, Moderator
- Naomi Tarawali, Cleary Gottlieb, London
- Kamal Shah, Stephenson Harwood, London
8:00 pm - Adjourn
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