Webinar highlights: SCC’s 2025 programme in review
Throughout 2025, the SCC Arbitration Institute has hosted a series of webinars addressing developments in arbitration and other methods to resolve disputes. From exploring settlement strategies to examining the intersection of arbitration and the rule of law, these sessions have brought together leading practitioners, academics, and in-house legal counsel to share expertise and foster dialogue on the evolving landscape of international dispute resolution. We invite you to catch up on any sessions you may have missed.
Published
The settlement shuffle – Dancing from dispute to consensus
During SCC Arbitration Week, a dedicated session explored settlements, drawing on findings from the SCC Report Settlements in cases administered under the SCC Rules. The panel examined how settlement enables businesses to resolve disputes more efficiently, preserve commercial relationships, and reduce both time and costs when compared to a full arbitration or litigation process.
The panel discussed how this collaborative approach not only accelerates resolution timelines but also preserves commercial relationships and reduces costs, critical advantages in today’s fast-paced business environment. The conversation highlighted the growing role of settlement as a strategic tool for companies seeking pragmatic, future-focused solutions in international commerce.
Speakers include:
Elke Umbeck, Partner, Heuking
Heidi Merikalla-Teir, Arbitrator / Mediator, Merikalla Conflict Resolution
Emma Munde, co-opted judge, Stockholm District Court
Jake Lowther, Specialist Counsel, SCC
Robin Oldenstam, Partner, Mannheimer Swartling and Chairperson of the SCC Board (moderator)
Mastering contract negotiations and dispute differences
SCC Deputy Secretary General Madeleine Thörn interviewed key figures from five jurisdictions to discuss the complexities of negotiating international contracts. The conversation highlighted that dispute resolution clauses are of importance to contracting parties, yet present significant challenges due to divergent preferences across different legal systems.
Speakers include:
Samantha Rowe, Debevoise & Plimpton, UK
Mathias Steinø, Hafnia, Denmark
Susan Munro, K&L Gates, China
Elke Umbeck, HEUKING, Germany
Laila Sivonen, Roschier, Finland
Miranda Espenäs, Swedish Company Lawyers’ Association
Madeleine Thörn, SCC
At the crossroads – international arbitration and the rule of law
ITA and the SCC, supported by the Swedish branch of the International Law Association (ILA), organised a webinar on international arbitration and the rule of law. Arbitration serves as a vital mechanism for resolving disputes, upholding the principles of the rule of law by ensuring fairness, neutrality, and predictability in proceedings outside traditional court systems. It sustains the integrity of the rule of law, fosters trust in dispute resolution processes, and encourages international commercial activity. Ultimately, arbitration promotes justice, transparency, and respect for legal obligations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Speakers include:
Barton Legum, Partner, Honlet Legum, Member of the ITA Executive Committee, Member of the SCC Board
Federico Ortino, Co-Director of the Centre for International Governance and Dispute Resolution (CIGAD), King’s College London
Caroline Falconer, Secretary General, SCC
Crina Baltag, Associate Professor in International Arbitration, Queen Mary University of London, Member of the ITA Executive Committee, Member of the SCC Board (moderator)
China High Level Dialogue – The innovative SCC Arbitration Institute in Sweden
This webinar features Caroline Falconer, Secretary General of the SCC Arbitration Institute, presenting how the SCC operates as a modern and innovative centre for international arbitration based in Sweden. She highlights the institute’s role in facilitating neutral and efficient dispute resolution methods for global commercial and investor–state conflicts, building on its long history and reputation in international arbitration. The session also discusses the SCC’s services, procedural tools, and its engagement with international partners, including dialogues and cooperation with Chinese entities and organisations. Overall, the dialogue underscores the institute’s efforts to support cross‑border commerce by promoting arbitration as an effective alternative to court litigation.
Navigating Dispute Resolution in Cross-Border Contracts with Chinese Entities
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China hosted jointly with the SCC Arbitration Institute an online webinar on navigating dispute resolution in cross-border contracts with Chinese entities. The discussion addressed the importance of making an active choice regarding the method of dispute resolution in international contracts and provided practical tips and strategies for drafting effective dispute resolution clauses. The webinar highlighted the advantages of arbitration for international businesses operating in China.
Speakers:
Caroline Falconer, Secretary General, SCC Arbitration Institute
Jake Lowther, Specialist Counsel, SCC Arbitration Institute