UAM Circle: Ethical Dilemmas of a Mediator

On August 14, the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation held a UAM Circle meeting on the topic “Ethical Dilemmas in Mediation: How Do We Make Difficult Decisions?”

This was a supportive online meeting for graduates and associate partners, where in a trusting atmosphere we discussed complex issues — and left with new ideas, confidence, and renewed energy.

The UAM Circle is a space for professional reflection and peer support for mediators. Here, participants can safely ask challenging questions, share experiences, and find solutions together with colleagues.

This time, we explored a practical algorithm for responding to ethical tension: when it is important to speak up, when silence is appropriate, and when to seek support from a supervisor. A separate focus was the question “I am a mediator: where are the boundaries of my professional ethics?” — and we saw how clear internal guidelines help maintain impartiality and the trust of the parties.

An important element of the meeting was a reflection exercise on personal “ethical boundaries.” It helped each participant to better sense the balance between professional standards and personal values, and to outline next steps in handling difficult cases. A lively discussion showed that when there is space for honest conversation, difficult dilemmas can become opportunities for growth.

We are grateful to everyone who joined the UAM Circle. It was a warm and meaningful meeting that left participants with a strong sense of community and practical tools for the daily work of a mediator. Together, we are making the professional environment stronger and more sensitive to ethics.

The event was organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation within the project “CONSENT: Strengthening the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ukraine with a Focus on Mediation,” implemented with the support of the European Union.