ICCA Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Implementation Plan
ICCA is pleased to announce the release of the first formal ICCA Diversity and Inclusion Policy, ICCA Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan, and an updated ICCA Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy. These policies were approved by ICCA Governing Board Members at the annual ICCA Governing Board meeting on Monday 11 May 2020.
Since changes made to its governance and membership structure in 2012, ICCA has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity in all its activities. The 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Policy reaffirms ICCA’s “commitment to the two mutually reinforcing values of diversity and inclusion and pledges to uphold them in our mission, activities and practices.” The Policy and Plan both record current practice within ICCA and develop an ongoing, iterative process for realising the values of diversity and inclusion in all of ICCA’s activities – including our Congresses and events, publications, projects, and Young ICCA initiatives. The Policy commits ICCA and Young ICCA office-holders to uphold the principles of diversity and inclusion, to promote an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and be welcoming of all members of the international arbitration community regardless of sex, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and race. It further calls on all ICCA Members to “respect and advance these core values in their participation in ICCA’s activities and in their other professional endeavours.”
Speaking to the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, ICCA President Lucy Reed notes: “Diversity and inclusion are never ‘done’. ICCA continues to focus on how we can do better with diversity and inclusion of all kinds, and to take steps to do so.”
The Policies and Plan are the result of close cooperation between immediate past ICCA President Prof. Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, current ICCA President Prof. Lucy Reed, Executive Director Lise Bosman and Chair of ICCA’s Inclusiveness Committee Vera van Houtte, with the support and guidance of members of the Committee, Governing Board and the ICCA Bureau. ICCA also engaged independent consultant Anna Spain Bradley of the University of Colorado to advise during the process. The initiative was developed under Prof. Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler’s presidency, building on many of ICCA’s existing practices as implemented since 2012.
“International arbitration cannot claim to be the global dispute settlement method if it is not inclusive and diverse,” says Prof. Kaufmann-Kohler. “While gender diversity is slowly making its way, a lot remains to be done to improve regional diversity. I am very happy that the Governing Board adopted these texts, setting a strong signal of ICCA’s commitment to the values of diversity and inclusiveness.”
The ICCA Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Implementation Plan will be discussed at a Breakfast Seminar on Thursday 4 February 2021 at the XXVth ICCA Congress in Edinburgh. The Seminar will include interventions by ICCA Inclusiveness Committee Chair Vera van Houtte; consultant Anna Spain Bradley; and Inclusiveness Committee members Prof. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Carolyn Lamm and Lise Bosman.
Please click the links below to access:
ICCA Diversity and Inclusion Policy