The Second Annual Regional Conference on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), focused on "Construction Projects Disputes," took place from the 7th till to 8th of October 2024, at the Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik. Organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Croatia and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), in collaboration with ICC Dispute Resolution Services, the event attracted more than 180 experts in construction contract management, dispute avoidance, and resolution through ADR methods and arbitration. Attendees came primarily from the Adria region and across Europe, including participants from France, the United Kingdom, Romania, Switzerland, and other countries, reinforcing Dubrovnik's reputation as a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
The conference featured 31 speakers from 18 countries, including Croatia, the United States, Egypt, France, the UK, Romania, Sweden, Hungary, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Poland, Georgia, Portugal, Switzerland, Serbia, and Germany. The program covered current issues affecting the construction industry and dispute resolution.
Marina Rožić, the Secretary-General of HGK and ICC Croatia, emphasized the importance of this conference, noting that the construction sector is often prone to disputes, particularly in the context of dual transitions toward sustainability and the adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
Cross-Examination, ESG Compliance, and Artificial Intelligence
On the first day, an advanced workshop on cross-examination techniques was held, where international experts shared experiences from other legal systems, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The significance of thorough preparation and clear, direct communication during the process was highlighted.
After the official business sessions, attendees enjoyed a relaxed cocktail reception in the Palm Garden of the Hotel Excelsior, providing an additional opportunity for networking and experience sharing.
During a panel discussion on the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, Alina Leoveanu, Senior Advisor at the French company Eviden International and a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, stated that ESG requirements significantly influence the construction industry, particularly concerning carbon emissions and recycling. She also stressed the importance of community engagement, which has become standard practice during consultation processes.
Artificial intelligence offers significant advantages across various sectors, but its use requires careful management. The application of AI in construction was one of the conference's topics, considering the potential new types of disputes it may cause. Taner Dedezade, a partner at the London law firm Howard Kennedy LLP, presented several examples of AI-based software used for deep geological surveys and 3D modeling, stressing the importance of input data to avoid incorrect conclusions.
