On September 8, 2023 China Arbitration Week Series Events co-hosted by China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission European Arbitration Centre (CIETAC European Arbitration Centre) and Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Chine, was successfully held in Paris. The theme of the Seminar was “From Contracts to Arbitration: New Challenges of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the International Business Environment”, which invited a number of legal experts to discuss issues related to ESG and arbitration.

Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CIETAC, noted in his opening speech that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has gradually risen into prominence in global business decision-making, investors, stakeholders and consumers have expressed concerning about how companies are responding to these factors. When ESG-related disputes arise, arbitration as an efficient, professional and authoritative resolution mechanism can provide both parties with a fair, speedy, binding and widely enforceable award, thus arbitration can ensure both parties properly enforce and compensate the ESG responsibilities. Secretary-General Wang Chengjie also introduced the efforts and achievements of CIETAC, such as establishing a new pattern of diversified dispute resolution services and creating brand activities and platform in order to provide Chinese and foreign parties with professional and efficient dispute resolution services and help parties promote international economic and trade exchanges.

Li Wenguo, Representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Representative Office in France, Alexis Mourre, Founding Partner of MGC Arbitration and Former Chairman of ICC, delivered welcoming speeches respectively. Cui Yang, moderated the Seminar and introduced CIETAC arbitration features and advantages to the participants.

Dr. Thierry Lauriol, Partner of Jeantet, Hervé Le Lay, Partner of MGC Arbitration, Dr. Alice Meissner, Partner of Fieldfisher, Marianne Kecsmar, Lawyer of PKM, Christopher Chinn, Independent Arbitrator, these five speakers exchanged views on ESG supply chain disputes, the ESG and African mining industry disputes, and multiple-party arbitration involving ESG, and other related legal issues.

Nearly seventy participants from corporations and law firms attended the Seminar. This event helps participants deepen understanding on issues related to ESG and arbitration.