Bahrain Champions AI in Dispute Resolution at UN

On the sidelines of the 83rd session of Working Group II (Dispute Settlement) of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), held from February 16–20, 2026 at the UN headquarters, Professor Marika Batterani Paulson, Secretary-General of the Bahrain International Dispute Resolution Council, participated in a UNCITRAL seminar alongside leaders from Singapore, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, and UNCITRAL. The discussions focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sessions in arbitration and mediation.

In her address, Paulson highlighted the role of AI in mediation and online dispute resolution, emphasizing how emerging tools are reshaping party interactions, procedural design, and access to consensual dispute settlements.

She stressed the importance of a dedicated documentation exercise to monitor current practices in online mediation and AI usage, followed by systematic identification of key legal and practical issues arising from these developments. Paulson suggested that the working group could provide guidance or solutions to help countries regulate and support these practices. She also addressed the formal protection of disputes involving government entities, proposing that UNCITRAL contribute through future legislative guidance.

Paulson noted that these initiatives aim to promote a consistent, state-led approach to integrating technology in mediation while preserving party autonomy, ensuring fairness, and safeguarding legal principles.

This participation underscores Bahrain’s commitment to maintaining an active role in UNCITRAL discussions on technology-driven dispute resolution and its dedication to developing innovative, modern frameworks for international commercial dispute settlement.