As Nepal’s legal and commercial landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective, efficient, and private dispute resolution mechanisms has become more pressing than ever. The National Arbitration Awareness Conference 2025 is a landmark event aimed at bringing together legal practitioners, corporate stakeholders, policymakers, and students to explore the full potential of arbitration as a tool for dispute resolution in Nepal.

Hosted by the Arbitration Promotion Forum Nepal (APFN) in collaboration with the Nepal Bar Association and the National Judicial Academy, the conference will be held on August 10, 2025, at Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu. This full-day event is expected to draw more than 300 attendees from across the country.

Why This Conference Matters

Arbitration in Nepal is governed by the Arbitration Act 2055 (1999), a legislation inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law, aimed at promoting arbitration for domestic and cross-border disputes. However, despite the legal infrastructure, arbitration is still underutilized. The National Arbitration Awareness Conference seeks to bridge the gap between law and practice by educating stakeholders about its advantages, procedures, and real-world applications.

The goal is not just to inform, but to initiate a national conversation around how arbitration can help reduce court congestion, expedite commercial justice, and promote investor confidence—especially in sectors like construction, trade, finance, and IT.

Key Sessions & Topics

The conference will feature a series of expert-led sessions and panel discussions on topics such as:

• Introduction to Institutional vs. Ad Hoc Arbitration
• Drafting Effective Arbitration Clauses in Nepali Contracts
• Understanding the Role of the Arbitrator and Tribunal Procedures
• The Future of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in Nepal
• Case Studies on Recent Arbitration Success Stories

In addition to these sessions, there will be an interactive Q&A round and a live arbitration demonstration showcasing how a typical commercial dispute is handled from notice to award.

Featured Speakers

Some of the country’s most respected legal experts will take the stage, including:

• Hon. Dr. Anup Raj Sharma (Former Chief Justice)
• Adv. Meera Subedi (Senior Arbitration Counsel)
• Mr. Laxman Aryal (Arbitrator, International Chamber of Commerce)
• Dr. Saurav Bhattarai (Professor of Law, TU)
• Ms. Rekha Manandhar (Founder, Nepal International ADR Center)

Each speaker brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives that will enrich the conference discourse and provide actionable insights.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

• Lawyers & Legal Advisors
• Corporate Executives
• Government Officials
• Law Students
• Judges and Academicians
• Project Managers in construction, IT, and infrastructure

Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, workshop materials, and networking opportunities with both local and international arbitration professionals.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the conference, attendees are expected to:

• Understand the advantages of arbitration over litigation
• Learn how to draft enforceable arbitration agreements
• Know the procedural steps and documentation involved
• Gain insights on career paths in arbitration
• Connect with experts and peers to share experiences

This event also aims to advocate for broader policy reform and the establishment of more local arbitration institutions to support the rising demand.

Registration & Participation

Registration is available online via the APFN website. The fee includes entry, lunch, coffee breaks, and session materials. Early bird discounts are available until July 15.

Corporate sponsorship packages are also available for law firms and organizations looking to support arbitration literacy in Nepal.

Conclusion

The National Arbitration Awareness Conference 2025 is more than just a one-day seminar—it’s a movement toward transforming Nepal’s legal system to be more responsive, business-friendly, and globally competitive. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or someone new to arbitration, this event offers a unique platform to expand your knowledge and contribute to the future of dispute resolution in Nepal.