Experts, practitioners gather in Taguig for 6th Asian mediation meet

Global experts and practitioners in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, such as luminaries, members of the academe, and advocates gather for the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Mediation Association Conference at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Luisa Cabato/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — A two-day conference aimed at promoting the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve conflicts began on Tuesday.

With the theme “Harmony and Strategic Innovations in Mediation and ADR,” the 6th Asian Mediation Association (AMA) Conference, which will run until October 16, was launched with a ceremony at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City.

The National Center for Mediation defined mediation as “a process where a trained neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates the negotiation between parties (the disputants).”

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ADR, meanwhile, refers to procedures used to resolve disputes without court adjudication.

The event brought together global experts and practitioners in mediation and ADR, including notable figures, academics, and advocates.

It will feature dialogues designed to foster conversation on various topics, such as family mediation, the use of mediation in managing environmental disputes, and enhancing international disputes.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Judicial Academy Chancellor Rosmari Carandang stressed that mediation is a reflection of “shared desire for harmony in a world where conflict is inevitable.”

“In mediation, we find a way to not only resolve disputes but also to strengthen the bonds of cooperation, respect, and understanding among people, communities, and nations,” she also said.

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Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa expressed optimism that the conference could foster peaceful solutions to various conflicts.

“We cannot forget that mediation and other forms of dispute resolution have the power to transform the brute force of conflicts into pliable situations that are brought to heel by reason, compromise, and mutual empathy,” he said in his speech.

“This year’s AMA conference continues to enrich the positive instrumentality of mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods in various avenues and areas of human relationships,” he added.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos was present at the event and presented plaques of appreciation to the speakers.