International Legal Gathering in 2025 Highlights Kazakhstan's Status as a Key Regional Legal Center
In the heart of Kazakhstan, Astana played host to the International Arbitration Centre's Eurasia Arbitration Week 2025 (EAW25) from July 1-2. This prestigious event, held at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), brought together approximately 400 participants from Asia, Europe, the US, the UK, and Kazakhstan.
EAW25 served as a platform for key discussions and trends shaping arbitration and dispute resolution in Eurasia and globally. The event reaffirmed Astana's position as a regional legal hub, attracting arbitrators, lawyers, judges, academics, government and business representatives.
Some of the recent developments and trends discussed included the strategic role of arbitration in attracting foreign investment, the application of technology and artificial intelligence in arbitral processes, practical considerations for cross-border enforcement of arbitral awards in Eurasia, corporate counsel perspectives favoring Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) over traditional litigation, and the development of effective dispute resolution systems in emerging markets.
Integration with the global arbitration community is an important objective of Kazakhstan's legal development, and EAW25 provided an opportunity for this integration. The event featured the signing of cooperation agreements to enhance legal collaboration and professional development, including a memorandum of understanding with the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan and an agreement with the Turkic Arbitration Association aimed at strengthening dispute resolution ties among Turkic states.
The organization of EAW25 was done in cooperation with the international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP. The program included sessions focused on the evolving role of arbitration and ADR in supporting investment, good governance, and legal certainty.
Since commencing operations on Jan. 1, 2018, the AIFC Court and the IAC have completed and enforced over 3,900 cases, including 188 court judgments and 3,772 arbitration awards and mediation settlements. This reflects the growing importance of EAW25 and the AIFC's commitment to providing world-class dispute resolution that meets the standards of leading global institutions.
Attracting foreign investment and enhancing investor confidence remain long-term priorities for Kazakhstan. IAC Chairman Thomas Krümmel stated that Kazakhstan has created a globally respected arbitration center free from national influence. This statement underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to the rule of law and legal innovation, as evidenced by events such as EAW25.
In conclusion, EAW25 served as a significant event in the legal calendar, promoting arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, and the rule of law, with an emphasis on independent, trusted, and cost-effective solutions for investor protection and business dispute resolution in Eurasia. Events such as EAW25 support international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and Kazakhstan's commitment to the rule of law and legal innovation.
The International Arbitration Centre's Eurasia Arbitration Week 2025 (EAW25) served as a platform for discussions on the strategic role of arbitration in attracting foreign investment, a crucial aspect of business finance. The event reaffirmed Astana's position as a regional legal hub, attracting not only legal professionals but also business representatives.
The development of effective dispute resolution systems in emerging markets, a key theme at EAW25, is essential for fostering confidence among foreign investors, contributing to the growth of the business sector.
