The Astana International Financial Centre International Arbitration Centre (IAC) will participate in Paris Arbitration Week 2026 (PAW26), a leading forum for international dispute resolution professionals, further cementing Kazakhstan’s role as the hub for international commercial dispute resolution in Eurasia.
The IAC has been nominated for the 2026 GAR Awards for high case volume and lack of arbitration award challenges.
During PAW26, Mr. Christopher Campbell-Holt OBE, Registrar and Chief Executive of the AIFC Court and IAC, will represent Kazakhstan at three high-profile panel discussions, sharing insights on dispute prevention, regional arbitration developments, and institutional best practices. The panel discussions will bring together leading scholars, practitioners, and institutional representatives from Europe, Asia and the Turkic region, to exchange insights on best practices, legislative developments, and innovative approaches to international commercial and investment arbitration.
Key panels:
- Preventing Disputes Before They Arise: Strategic Tools in Investment and Commercial Arbitration (23 March, 10:30 – 12:30 | White & Case, Paris)
Mr. Campbell-Holt OBE will discuss innovative approaches to avoid investor-state and commercial disputes, exploring mediation, dispute avoidance protocols, and global adoption of mechanisms including the Singapore Mediation Convention.
- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan on the Arbitration Map: Trends, Challenges, Opportunities (26 March, 14:30 – 17:15 | Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, Paris)
This panel will highlight evolving arbitration frameworks across the Turkic region. Mr. Campbell- Holt OBE will provide perspective on Kazakhstan’s arbitration landscape, sharing insights into legislative developments, regional cooperation, and best practices in investment and commercial dispute resolution.
- Architects of Arbitration: Round Table Discussion with Arbitral Institutions (27 March, 14:30 – 16:30 | Bredin Prat, Paris)
This panel will exchange ideas on arbitration institutional governance, procedure design, and user- focused innovation. Mr. Campbell-Holt OBE will contribute his experience in building modern and internationally recognised arbitration frameworks around the world.
Strategic Significance for Kazakhstan
Participation at PAW26 recognises Kazakhstan’s growing influence as the trusted regional hub for international arbitration and dispute resolution. By sharing expertise and engaging with global peers, the AIFC Court and IAC contribute to the development of robust legal and institutional frameworks that attract investment, support cross-border trade, enhancing Kazakhstan’s growing reputation as the modern, rule of law based economy in Eurasia.
The IAC invites journalists and media representatives to report on the 27 March 2026 round-table panel and interviews during PAW26. Opportunities will be available for on-site reporting, commentary, and exclusive insights from the IAC, Eurasia’s leading arbitral institution.
Address: Bredin Prat, 53 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris, France
Date and time: 27 March 2026, 14:10 (Paris time)
Please send the following information to a.ashmuratova@aifc-iac.kz or call +7 775 4416043 by 26 March 2026, to receive accreditation:
- Full name
- Organisation
- Position
Reference:
The International Arbitration Centre (IAC) provides an independent, economical and expeditious alternative to court litigation, operating to the highest international standards to resolve civil and commercial disputes in the AIFC. It has its own panel of outstanding international arbitrators and mediators who are highly experienced, independent and impartial. IAC arbitration awards are recognised and enforceable in Kazakhstan and internationally. The IAC has its own Training Centre and Policy Think Tank, The Centre for Global Policy Leadership, and cooperates with leading international education institutions to provide professional legal education that contributes to efficient case management, training lawyers, arbitrators and mediators in the Republic of Kazakhstan and wider Eurasia region. https://iac.aifc.kz/
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a financial and business hub located in Astana, Kazakhstan, established to attract investment and support economic development in Eurasia. It operates under a special legal and regulatory framework based on international best practices and provides a platform for financial services, professional services and capital markets.
It aims to connect the economies of the Eurasia region and beyond with global markets. https://aifc.kz/
Contact information:
Aidana Ashmuratova, Head of Events and External Relations, AIFC Court and IAC Telephone: +7 717 2613746 | Email: a.ashmuratova@aifc-iac.kz Gaukhar Orkashbayeva, Communications and Events Manager, AIFC Court and IAC Telephone: +7 717 2613648 | Email: g.orkashbayeva@aifc-iac.kz
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Funds Economy journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.