Ground Rules: The Role of the Seat in International Arbitration
May 29, 2025
Experts Discuss Strategic Role of Arbitration Seat at AUCA Round Table
The Law Division of AUCA, in collaboration with the Vienna International Arbitration Center (VIAC), hosted a round table discussion titled “Ground Rules: The Role of the Seat in International Arbitration”on May 27 from 14:00 to 15:30 at the AUCA Makerspace CH.
The event offered valuable insights into how the choice of an arbitration seat can influence the outcome of international disputes—either serving as a strategic advantage or turning into a costly misstep. Participants explored key universal criteria for selecting an arbitration seat, guided by the practical experiences and expertise of the panel.
The round table featured a distinguished lineup of speakers:
Ema Potočnik, Director of the VIAC Community Ambassador Network (VIAC CAN);
Natalia Alenkina, Associate Professor at AUCA and VIAC Ambassador for Kyrgyzstan;
Aigoul Kenjebayeva, Partner at Dentons and Founder of the Institute of Expert Legal Research “ZanSar”;
Nurbek Sabirov, Partner at Kalikova & Associates;
Galina Kucheriavaia, Deputy General Manager at Legal Activities.
Speakers shared real-life cases from arbitration practice and emphasized the importance of understanding the legal and procedural implications tied to the arbitration seat.
The event concluded with an engaging Q\&A session and informal networking over coffee, providing attendees with an opportunity to exchange thoughts and connect with professionals in the field of international arbitration.
