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The event, co-hosted with the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) and other leading local and international law firms and South African Bars, sought to dissect issues and challenges in the fast-paced world of international commercial arbitration. 

The week was packed with insightful sessions, including two panel events hosted by our firm. 

This included the plenary session, "ESG: fertile ground for disputes?", which featured Michael Schottler (Anglo American), Andrew Cannon (Partner, London), Dr Patricia Nacimiento (Partner, Frankfurt) and moderator Fiorella Noriega Del Valle (Director, Johannesburg). 

South African jurist and former Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa Justice Dikgang Moseneke delivered the keynote speech at the plenary session. 

The Herbert Smith Freehills team also hosted "How Helpful are Experts in Arbitration?", with Adv Azhar Bham SC (Senior Counsel and Arbitrator), Professor David Butler (Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow, Department of Mercantile Law, Stellenbosch University), Hannah Ambrose (Partner, London), Laurence Franc-Menget (Partner, Paris) and Mike McClure KC (Partner, London). 

Johannesburg associate Kyle Melville also took part in a Young AFSA moot competition earlier in the week. 

Jonathan Ripley-Evans, who also sits as a Vice President on the AFSA International Court, commented: "The inaugural Johannesburg Arbitration Week was a resounding success, and we are proud to have played a significant role in it.

In the spirit of Ubuntu*, we look forward to continuing our active involvement in promoting arbitration and strengthening collaboration in Africa and beyond."

*Note: The spirit of Ubuntu is a philosophy that originates from African Bantu societies. It embodies the concepts of connection, community and mutual caring for all, and emphasises that our success is deeply intertwined with that of others.

Key contacts

Laurence Franc-Menget photo

Laurence Franc-Menget

Partner, Paris

Laurence Franc-Menget
Andrew Cannon photo

Andrew Cannon

Partner, Global Co-Head of International Arbitration and of Public International Law, London

Andrew Cannon
Jonathan Ripley-Evans photo

Jonathan Ripley-Evans

Partner, Johannesburg

Jonathan Ripley-Evans
Fiorella Noriega Del Valle photo

Fiorella Noriega Del Valle

Director, Johannesburg

Fiorella Noriega Del Valle
Hannah Ambrose photo

Hannah Ambrose

Partner, London

Hannah Ambrose
Dr Patricia Nacimiento photo

Dr Patricia Nacimiento

Partner, Germany

Dr Patricia Nacimiento
Mike McClure KC photo

Mike McClure KC

Partner, London

Mike McClure KC
Kyle Melville photo

Kyle Melville

Associate, Johannesburg

Kyle Melville

Media contact

For further information on this news article, please contact:

Tim Wells

Communications Manager

London

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Johannesburg Africa International Arbitration Laurence Franc-Menget Andrew Cannon Jonathan Ripley-Evans Fiorella Noriega Del Valle Hannah Ambrose Dr Patricia Nacimiento Mike McClure KC Kyle Melville