NNA – In the presence of the President of the Beirut Bar Association, Mr. Fadi Masri, and at the initiative of the event’s creator, Professor Najib Hage-Chahine, the first edition of “Beirut Arbitration Days” concluded on 22 May 2025 after attracting more than 1,000 participants from 40 countries, 60 international speakers and 40 supporting organizations.
Prime Minister Judge Nawaf Salam opened the conference, confirming Lebanon’s ability “to regain its regional and international role in arbitration.” Both Minister of Justice Judge Adel Nassar and Minister of Information Dr. Paul Morcos affirmed the government’s support for spreading the culture of arbitration, while the President of the Bar Association stressed the Bar’s commitment to consolidating this course.
The Ten Recommendations of Professor Najib Hage-Chahine
In the closing session, Professor Najib Hage-Chahine presented ten practical recommendations:
1. Lawyers: Insert an arbitration clause in contracts and choose Beirut as the seat.
2. Judiciary: Support the independence of arbitrators and accelerate annulment and enforcement proceedings.
3. Legislators: Update the Arbitration Law to align with the New York Convention and international standards.
4. Government: Integrate arbitration into investment-attraction policies and develop specialized digital infrastructure.
5. Arbitrators: Commit to the highest levels of transparency, ethics, and continuous training.
6. Experts: Adopt precise scientific models in the assessment of damages and act as support to arbitral tribunals, not as a party in the dispute.
7. Arbitration centers: Strengthen regional cooperation and embrace technology and diversity.
8. Universities: Integrate arbitration into curricula and provide practical training for students.
9. Students and youth: Engage in moot courts and fellowship programs.
10. Bar Association: Entrench LIAC-BBA as a strategic arm for independent arbitration.
The event concluded with Professor Hage-Chahine affirming that “Beirut has returned as the capital of Arab arbitration” and inviting participants to the next edition, “Beirut Arbitration Days 2026,” under the slogan Beirut Nutrix Legum.
