LAHORE:An international conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) titled “Harmonising Dispute Resolution: Exploring International Perspectives in ADR” was held at the Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Thursday.
The conference, organised by the University’s Dr Iqbal Law School in collaboration with the Lahore Bar Association (LBA) and the Legal Aid and Justice Authority, Islamabad, aimed to delve into various facets of ADR methods, including mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and collaborative law, and their global implications. GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Adnan chaired the inaugural session, which also featured international speakers, including Prof Dr Herman Roborgh from England, who heads the School of Religion and Philosophy. Former Advocate General of Haryana, India Himanshu Raj addressed the conference virtually. In his keynote address, Dean of the University of South Asia Prof Dr Dil Muhammad Malik underscored the historical inevitability of disputes within societies, tracing back to the earliest human civilisations. He highlighted the transformative power of ADR practices, emphasising their capacity to enhance access to justice and foster amicable resolutions.
Prof Malik urged stakeholders to learn from successful models, emphasising the need for standardized terminology and concerted efforts to streamline dispute resolution processes. Prof Dr Herman Roborgh emphasised the need for a fundamental shift in thinking and behavior towards Alternative Dispute Resolution. He stressed that while training was essential, the real change began with individual introspection and daily practice.
In his video link address, Himanshu Raj stressed that harmonizing ADR in an international context was crucial for promoting efficient and effective dispute resolution in today's interconnected world.