The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has wrapped up the 5th Full Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC) on April 20-21, 2024 at Qatar University. The meeting was attended by over 50 jurisdictions from around the world, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration and the sharing of best practices among commercial courts. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Hassan bin Lahdan Al-Mohannadi, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Judiciary Council of the State of Qatar.
Established in 2017, SIFoCC aims to improve commercial court services by sharing best practices, enhancing the rule of law through court collaboration, and supporting developing nations in attracting investors by resolving commercial disputes effectively. During the meeting, judges from courts around the world discussed contemporary themes in commercial dispute resolution, including developing the relationship between commercial courts, arbitration, and mediation; greater transnational judicial cooperation; technology and AI in dispute resolution; and climate change: ESG, corporate activity, and the rule of law.
The first day of the conference concluded with an official dinner hosted by the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre at the Museum of Islamic Art. Among the esteemed attendees was His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs - State of Qatar, who delivered a warm welcome to the delegates. On the following day, the 5th Full Meeting commenced with a keynote address by the Honourable James Allsop AC, former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia. Titled "The Spirit of the Judicial Task and the Importance of International Judicial Dialogue," the lecture drew an audience of over 200 distinguished guests.
The meeting in Qatar provided an invaluable opportunity for representatives from courts around the world to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of commercial dispute resolution.
Commenting on the meeting, Sir William Blair, Chairman of QFC Regulatory Tribunal stated: "As we assemble here today, let us remember that our shared commitment to excellence in commercial court practices not only benefits our respective jurisdictions but also contributes to a global environment of stability, prosperity, and the rule of law."
CEO OF QICDRC, Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti, added: “QICDRC is pleased to have concluded the 5th Full Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts and is committed to fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices in commercial dispute resolution. We are honoured to have welcomed all the representatives to Qatar and look forward to seeing the results of our productive discussions benefit businesses and markets worldwide.”
President of the Investment and Trade Court Judge Khalid bin Ali Al Obaidly stated: “I was pleased to participate in the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts, it was an opportunity for intellectual exchange and common judicial experiences, and I would like to emphasize the important role that this forum plays in enhancing international cooperation between commercial courts. These gatherings contribute to refining and developing judicial systems, increasing the efficiency of procedures, and speeding up the resolution of cases, benefitting the investment and commercial environment not only in Qatar but also globally. Furthermore, I extend a warm welcome to the delegations visiting the headquarters of the Investment and Trade Court. This visit fosters transparency and opens avenues for enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding. I am optimistic that this visit will deepen relations among judges and experts, fostering a more collaborative environment characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to elevating the standards of commercial and investment justice.”
QICDRC is proud to have hosted the 5th Full Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), aligning with our mission to facilitate and resolve civil and commercial disputes fairly and efficiently in accordance with internationally recognised best practices and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. As we look ahead, we are eager to continue our collaboration with SIFoCC and its member jurisdictions, promoting the exchange of expertise and advancing a global environment of cooperation in commercial dispute resolution.
