Mediator Independence and International Standards: Key Takeaways from the IMEA Forum

Can a mediator be truly independent? How do international standards influence the development of national mediation systems? And what makes countries more attractive for resolving cross-border disputes? These questions were at the heart of the second panel of the international forum “Cross-Border Mediation: Between Standards and Professional Independence”, organized by the Independent Mediators & Experts Alliance (IMEA).

The discussion was moderated by Luiza Romanadze, President of the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation. International experts from Australia, Germany, and Lithuania shared their experience in the development of mediation and the establishment of professional standards.

Speakers

Delcy Lagones de Anglim – Australasian Dispute Resolution Centre (Australia)

Greg Bond – Bond & Bond Mediation, University of Wildau (Germany)

Indrė Kasiulaitė – Lithuanian Chamber of Mediators, Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania)

During the panel, participants explored the role of mediator independence, the importance of international standards for strengthening national mediation systems, and the prospects for harmonizing legislation in the field of cross-border dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways

• The method of appointing a mediator directly affects perceptions of the mediator’s independence and the level of trust in the mediation process.
• Mediator independence requires clear legal recognition alongside the principle of party self-determination.
• Harmonizing national legislation with international standards creates new opportunities for the development of cross-border mediation and enhances a country's attractiveness for international dispute resolution.