6 November 2026
International Conference “International Investment Arbitration in BRICS: Balancing Investment Protection and the States’ Right to Regulate”
The conference is devoted to the current state and future trajectories of international investment arbitration in BRICS and BRICS+ countries, with special emphasis on reconciling effective investment protection with the preservation of sufficient regulatory space for states. Key topics include the evolution of treaty practice (from first‑generation agreements to more balanced instruments), reform of investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS), and the articulation of the right to regulate in the context of BRICS expansion and the growing role of the Global South.
The programme features a plenary session and three roundtables with leading professors, practitioners and experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia and Ethiopia.
The programme features a plenary session and three roundtables with leading professors, practitioners and experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Working language: English.
Conference programme
09:00-10:00
Registration of participants
10:00–10:30
Official opening, welcome remarks
10:30–12:00
Plenary session “International Investment Arbitration in BRICS and BRICS+: Current State and Reform Trajectories”
Overview of the institutional and treaty landscape, country approaches to ISDS reform, and initiatives to create BRICS‑oriented investment dispute institutions.
12:15–13:45
Roundtable “The Right to Regulate in International Investment Law: Perspectives of BRICS and BRICS+ States”
Discussion of treaty clauses, exceptions, and arbitral practice relating to public health, environmental protection and social regulation.
13:45–15:00
Standing lunch
Lunch reception, thematic country tables, and short interventions by early-career researchers.
15:00–16:30
Roundtable "New‑Generation Investment Treaties and Reform of Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in BRICS and BRICS+"
Recalibrated fair and equitable treatment standards, limitations on MFN and umbrella clauses, alternative ISDS models.
16:45–18:15
Roundtable “Investment Disputes Involving Investors and States from BRICS and BRICS+: Cases, Trends, Lessons for Practitioners”
Case‑based analysis of environmental and social regulation, tax measures, jurisdictional issues, and enforcement of awards, with special focus on new member states.
18:15–19:00
Concluding discussion, key takeaways, evening reception
Further details on the venue and registration will be announced later. Please check the university website for updates.