University of Auckland Secures Victory at 2026 ICC Mediation Competition
The University of Auckland has once again demonstrated its prowess in international commercial mediation, winning the 21st edition of the ICC Commercial Mediation Competition. The team, comprised of Jumana Maash and Chloe Mills as requesting parties, with support from Samuel Foote, Benjamin Jones, Annabelle Kay, and Ji Min Seo, triumphed in the final round held at the historic Émile Boutmy Lecture Hall of Sciences Po University in Paris.
A Growing Competition Reflects Rising Importance of Mediation
This year’s competition saw an expansion in participation, with 58 teams from 34 countries – up from 48 teams previously. The preliminary rounds also featured an increased judging panel, moving from two to three judges per session. A new octo-final stage was introduced, altering the tournament structure. These changes underscore the growing global recognition of mediation as a vital dispute resolution method.
The Case: Navigating Complex Joint Venture Disputes
The final round presented teams with a challenging scenario: a mock dispute involving a joint venture owning multiple handbag brands. The problem was crafted by Hong Kong mediator Jody Sin and skillfully mediated by Bill Wood, a mediator from London. This focus on real-world commercial complexities highlights the competition’s commitment to practical skill development.
Auckland’s Winning Strategy: Teamwork and a Learning Mindset
Chloe Mills of the University of Auckland emphasized the team’s approach, stating, “We are so proud to win this prestigious prize…we came to the Competition with the mindset to learn as much as possible, not only about mediation but also about ourselves and each other.” This focus on collaborative learning and self-improvement appears to have been a key factor in their success. The University of Auckland has a strong track record, having previously won the competition consecutively from 2019 to 2022.
The Expanding Role of ICC Mediation
The ICC Mediation Competition is a leading educational event dedicated to international commercial mediation. In 2025, the ICC International Centre for ADR registered 36 requests for mediation under the ICC Mediation Rules, demonstrating increasing reliance on the ICC’s services. Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, highlighted the benefits of mediation, noting its ability to strengthen access to justice and preserve commercial relationships by focusing on interest-based outcomes.
Expert Judges Recognize Sophistication in Communication
Judges Aneesha Bhunjun, Mary McLain, Alain Roy, Lela Porter Love, and Tat Lim presided over the final round. Mr. Lim commented on the exceptional communication skills displayed by both teams, describing it as “truly an exceptional final.” This observation underscores the importance of effective communication in successful mediation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mediation
The competition’s continued growth and the increasing use of ICC mediation services suggest a positive trajectory for the field. Mediation offers a faster, fairer, and more efficient alternative to traditional litigation, with a high settlement rate – over 70% of cases result in at least partial settlement. This efficiency and focus on preserving relationships are likely to drive further adoption of mediation in international commerce.
Pro Tip:
Effective mediation relies on active listening, empathy, and a willingness to understand the other party’s perspective. These skills are crucial for success, both in competition and in real-world negotiations.
FAQ
What is the ICC Mediation Competition?
It’s a leading international educational competition focused on developing skills in international commercial mediation.
Where was the 2026 competition held?
The final round was held at the Émile Boutmy Lecture Hall of Sciences Po University in Paris.
What is the success rate of ICC mediation?
Data shows that over 70% of mediation cases registered with the ICC result in at least a partial settlement.
Why is mediation becoming more popular?
Mediation offers a faster, fairer, and more efficient way to resolve disputes while preserving commercial relationships.
Learn more about ICC mediation services.
Relive the highlights of the competition on X and Facebook. A recording of the final session is available on the ICC Official YouTube channel.
Worth a look