The University of New South Wales triumphs in final round of the 11th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition

The final, which was held yesterday evening in Paris at the Maison du Barreau, capped off an exciting Mediation Week that originally began with 65 teams from 32 countries who put their problem-solving skills to the test in real cross-border commercial dispute scenarios. However, it was the efforts of the University of New South Wales (Australia) that turned out to be the most victorious against Auckland University (New Zealand.)

The final problem was drafted by Rosemary Jackson, who is part of an international working group of mediation experts. It involved a dispute between a world-renowned pastry chef and an exclusive caterer to the stars with a failed icing situation. The bittersweet issue was observed by 350 spectators.

The winners not only walk away with coveted internships at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Centre for ADR, as well as the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution as part of the Competition’s prize, but an ample amount of first-hand experience, advice from and connections with world renowned mediators.

The team, which was headed by Competition veteran, Rosemary Howell, was selected for their communication skills, strong presence and teamwork after a thorough selection process that included an interview, written application and several other examinations.

“It is my last year at university, so it is an incredible high note to go out on,” said Ms Mackeller who represented her team in the final.

It is my last year at university, so it is an incredible high note to go out on.

Ms Mackeller’s partner, Mr Taylor added, “It feels really great to have won. I do not think it has quite sunk in though. Auckland was a great team and were very challenging, but it was a lot of fun.”

“The two teams chose to use the mediator and make him earn his fee rather than sit back and do nothing,” said Ronald Austin, who mediated the last round of the Competition.

Runners-up of Auckland University consisted of Michael Greenop, Honor Kerry, Andrew Yan Feng Lee and Ana Lenard. Mr Yan Feng Lee and Ms Lenard represented their team at the KPMG final.

“It was a really fulfilling day and week in general. I have learned so much and met so many awesome and talented people. This final was probably the best round that I have ever competed in and the University of New South Wales was a great team to go up against,” said Mr Yan Feng Lee.

Pleased with her students, University of Auckland’s coach, Nina Khouri said, “The thing that I am most happy about after watching the final round was that it was fun. We saw technical skills, some really realistic negotiations, but it was also fun and I am really proud of all the students.”

Speaking at the Competition final, Fernando Cunado, Partner at KPMG Advisory (Forensic) in Madrid, Spain, said headline sponsor KPMG was proud to contribute to this “exceptional” global event.

“I am impressed year after year. It is not only our pleasure and honour to sponsor the ICC Mediation Competition, but it is our duty to support the next generation,” said Mr Cunado.

My sincere congratulations go out to everyone who participated in this year’s Mediation Competition. We certainly hope that all students will return home having forged some exceptional connections in addition to having further built upon their already outstanding skills and knowledge in support of mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution.

Director of ICC’s Dispute Resolution Services and Secretary General of ICC’s International Court of Arbitration Andrea Carlevaris said, “My sincere congratulations go out to everyone who participated in this year’s Mediation Competition. We certainly hope that all students will return home having forged some exceptional connections in addition to having further built upon their already outstanding skills and knowledge in support of mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution.”

For more information about other amicable dispute resolution services, please visit ICC Arbitration and ADR.