Joint Action Plan Launched to Enhance International Arbitration Development in Digital Era
On September 17, 2025, Beijing served as the vibrant backdrop for the China Arbitration Summit 2025 along with the China-Latin America International Arbitration Forum. Organized by several renowned bodies, such as the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), this noteworthy event drew nearly 500 attendees from 52 different countries. Among these participants were 237 representatives from international diplomatic missions, major arbitration institutions, courts, legal associations, and leading corporations engaged in dispute resolution. This array of delegates included a distinguished assembly of 119 senior figures from 51 international and foreign dispute resolution institutions. The forum attracted a global audience, with over 5.1 million viewers connecting online from 103 countries.
As a vital participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, Latin America has established a significant collaborative relationship with CIETAC, particularly in legal and arbitration domains. The concurrent China-Latin America International Arbitration Forum created an opportunity for robust discussions and cooperation on international dispute resolution, uniting expertise from both regions to foster the aligned development of global legal frameworks.
In recognition of the evolving demands on international arbitration in this digital era, CIETAC unveiled a comprehensive Joint Action Plan designed to bolster the international arbitration landscape while harnessing artificial intelligence advancements. This plan garnered extensive backing from 74 global organizations and dispute resolution institutions. Its goals encourage mutual collaboration among international organizations, arbitration bodies, tech companies, and academic circles, aiming for inclusion, procedural equity, transparency, and collaborative governance.
The plan emphasizes five critical areas: integrating AI into arbitration practices, enhancing technical innovation, improving data governance and security, advancing international standards, and deepening worldwide cooperation. Anna JOUBIN-BRET, the Secretary-General of UNCITRAL, praised this Joint Action Plan, deeming it a progressive blueprint for the future of international arbitration by reinforcing inclusion, procedural integrity, and cooperative governance.
The forum served as a high-level platform for in-depth debates surrounding digital transformation, AI applications, global governance, and regional cooperation in arbitration matters. It showcased CIETAC's global perspective, innovative approach, and expanding influence, sending a clear message that China is positioning itself increasingly as a preferred hub for international commercial arbitration. With such expansive discussions and strategic alignments, the summit not only highlighted the current realities but also paved the way for the future of arbitration in our digital age, delineating a pathway for international legal cooperation and innovation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, gatherings like the China Arbitration Summit 2025 are essential for shaping the future of dispute resolution on a global scale.