Programme

27 March 2025

Engage with an exceptional line-up of over 30 leading Jurists, Dispute Resolution Specialists, Global Experts, and Traditional Owners and Leaders.

Leveraging inter-disciplinary and global know-how we present a dynamic programme of keynote presentations, panels, conversations, debates, and workshops with insights you can apply in a wide range of contexts.

Presented in conjunction with the 10^th Annual Australian ADR Awards this global conference celebrates and fosters excellence in the field.

Do not miss this compelling conference programme!

8:30 – Early Brew & Registration

9:00 – Conference Opening 

9:05 – Welcome to Country

9:10 – Connecting to Place

Michael Butler, Mediator and Cultural Consultant

9:15 – Keynote – Powering the Surge in Global Dispute Resolution
[Arbitration, Maritime Law and Dispute Resolution]

The Hon. James Allsop AC, Mediator, Arbitrator, Expert Determiner and former Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia
Facilitator, John Wakefield, Director, Australian Disputes Centre

Anchoring the conference with this compelling Keynote Address, The Hon. James Allsop AC brings his enormous curial and ADR experience to considering the many ways in which Australia-based and international dispute resolution practitioners, Government instrumentalities and NGOs are powering the surge in global dispute resolution, the challenges they face and the opportunities presented by the many storms impacting our current geopolitical seascape.

9:35 – Global Tides of Innovation – The Pacific and Beyond
[Advocacy, Arbitration, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Forums]

Facilitator, Michael Talbot, Director, Australian Disputes Centre

At-the-table in finding solutions for many of the pressing issues of our time, three award-winning dispute resolution practitioners on the cutting-edge of international negotiations and innovation share their ocean-deep insights.

Climate Change and the ICJ Advisory Opinion
Catriona Martin, Partner DLA Piper

In historic proceedings before the International Court of Justice, DLA Piper’s multi-award-winning DR team is representing Timor-Leste, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and Zambia pro bono in The Hague. Cate Martin highlights what is at stake, sharing insights on their submissions and the potential impacts of this landmark Climate Change Advisory Opinion due later this year.

Responding to Rising Concerns on Deep Sea Mining
Nathan Eastwood, Partner, Watson Farley and Williams

Multi-award-winning dispute resolution practitioner, Nathan Eastwood, shares his significant expertise on the emerging trends in deep sea mining, ocean governance and sustainability. In Jamaica for the 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority, commencing in March 2025, Nathan brings an inside perspective on these critical negotiations aimed at finalising and adopting regulations for the commercial exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources.

Australia’s Legislative Leap in Cross-Border Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Daniel Allman, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright

Following recent developments in implementation of the London Protocol, which prevents marine pollution caused by dumping of wastes at sea, Australia is one step closer to cross-border carbon capture and storage. Award-winning arbitration practitioner, Daniel Allman, will examine what this means for decarbonisation efforts in the Asia-Pacific including how liability for CO2 leakage is managed across the CCS value chain.

10:15 – Morning Brew