We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program titled “ISDS Dispute Prevention and Management in the Western Balkans.” This program was jointly organized with the @Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), and took place on September 13 and 14, 2023, at their premises in Danilovgrad, Montenegro.
The ToT is a major milestone in strengthening the legal framework and institutional capacities for the effective prevention and management of ISDS disputes and is based in the Standardized Training Program on Investment Disputes handbook, a comprehensive guide meticulously designed to equip partner institutions in the #WesternBalkans with the knowledge and tools essential for the prevention and effective management of #ISDS cases.
Over the past years, the German Government has actively supported partner institutions in participating in the ongoing international discourse on ISDS reform and the exchange of best practices within the ISDS domain. The unwavering commitment by our partner institutions, coupled with the invaluable expertise provided by leading practitioners and academics, have enabled us to develop tangible and user-friendly instruments. These resources include a Regional Mapping of ISDS structures in the Western Balkans, Investor-State communication roadmaps for each country, Guidelines for ISDS Mediation Strategy, ISDS Model Clause, ISDS Lexicon, and, finally, the Standardized Training Program on Investment.
The program and the handbook are structured around two core aspects of ISDS: Investment treaties and substantive provisions, and investor-State arbitration, covering everything from the initiation of arbitration to the enforcement of awards. The participants had the opportunity to play an active role in engaging sessions led by renowned experts, Dr. Michael Waibel and Mr. Ilija Mitrev Penushliski. The ToT also featured hands-on practical exercises within groups, simulating real-life scenarios encompassing treaty provisions and ISDS arbitration.
This regional event will be followed by national trainings, to continue to elevate institutional knowledge in the region and facilitate policy discussions for ISDS dispute prevention and management.
We encourage you to stay tuned for updates on our forthcoming activities in the area of ISDS in the Western Balkans.
