ICC Switzerland's Arbitration Reception

ICC Switzerland hosted its first-ever ICC Arbitration Reception, proudly welcoming ICC Türkiye as the guest National Committee.

Yesterday, on 26 June 2025, we held the first edition of our Arbitration Reception at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich, followed by a dinner reception at Brasserie Schiller. It was our pleasure and privilege to welcome ICC Türkiye as the guest National Committee, marking a significant step in fostering deeper collaboration between the two national committees.

Bringing together arbitration professionals, academics and practitioners from both Türkiye and Switzerland, the event provided a unique platform for dialogue, mutual exchange, and in-depth discussions on arbitration practices and cultural perspectives.

Highlights of the Event Included:

A keynote address by Ms. Bennar Aydoğdu and Prof. Dr. Korkut Özkorkut, Co-Chairs of the ICC Türkiye Arbitration and ADR Commission, who warmly welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in arbitration.
A panel moderated by Dr. Diana Akikol, Member of the ICC Court, exploring cultural expectations of clients and stakeholders in Türkiye and Switzerland, and procedural aspects of ICC arbitration. Panelists included:
- Ms. Simel Sarıalioğlu, Member of the ICC Court
- Prof. Dr. H. Ercüment Erdem, Chair of the ICC Global Commercial Law and Practice Commission
- Ms. Karin Graf, President of the Zurich Bar Association
A second panel, moderated by Dr. Paolo Michele Patocchi, Member of the Swiss Commission of Arbitration and ADR, examined the interplay between tribunal, counsel, and the ICC, including:
- Selection and challenge of arbitrators
- Contributions from Ms. Živa Filipič, ICC Managing Counsel, Dr. Mehmet Karlı, Member of the ICC Court, and Mr. Daniel Hochstrasser, Vice President of the ICC Court

This successful first edition was not only rich in thematic discussions and professional exchange, but also an important step in strengthening ties between Türkiye and Switzerland in the field of international arbitration.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible:

Platinum Sponsors: 5Gambit Disputes, CMS and Walder Wyss
Gold Sponsors: Orrick, Vischer, Patocchi & Marzolini, Peter & Kim, Nater Dallafior, Kellerhals Carrard and Thouvenin

Finally, we wish to thank the organizers, Dr. Simon Gabriel and Ms. Sandra De Vito for their work and contributions.