In light of CRCICA’s policy of cultural diversity and multilateral cooperation with African partners, CRCICA hosted and sponsored, jointly with the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, the first Conference of the Africa International Legal Awareness (AILA) titled “A Paradigm Shift in International Investment Law” on 2 April 2017.
The conference’ program included topics related to Egypt’s experience in investment arbitration from the perspectives of the state, the investors and the arbitrators and as well as presenting the new Egyptian investment law. Investment treaties, including a reevaluation of their dispute settlement provisions, challenges facing both the drafters and negotiators of investment treaties were examined in depth, ending with a discussion on the necessity for a balanced system of investment treaties and arbitration by guaranteeing the states’ rights in treaties, allowing counterclaims in proceedings, and making the treaties work for sustainable development.
The conference included a large number of speakers from different backgrounds, including law professors, partners of Egyptian and international law firms, as well as representative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Conference attracted utmost attention being held on the verge of issuing the new Egyptian Investment Law and was attended by 88 participant representing prominent international and African legal experts from 12 countries; namely Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, France, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda and UK.
