A panel session on the growing role of interstate arbitration in resolving complex disputes and the legal significance of the Azerbaijan-Armenia cases was held as part of the 10th Paris Arbitration Week.
Kamala Mehdiyeva, President of the Azerbaijan Arbitration Association and Co-President of the Turkic Arbitration Association, led an extensive discussion on the role of interstate arbitration in resolving complex disputes. The main objective of the conference was to analyze the legal and practical aspects of the unprecedented proceedings initiated by Azerbaijan against Armenia before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). These cases, conducted under the Bern Convention and the Energy Charter Treaty, raise new legal questions regarding environmental obligations, access to energy resources, and the application of arbitration mechanisms in the post-conflict period. Panelists shared their views on the significance of these PCA cases in resolving interstate disputes, the broader impacts of arbitration in regional and global contexts, as well as potential developments and legal arguments as these proceedings progress.
During the event, which was attended by 120 delegates from various countries, Kamala Mehdiyeva emphasized that the Azerbaijan-Armenia cases are landmark proceedings of special significance from an international law perspective. According to her, this significance is manifested in two directions. First, it is the first legal case brought under the Bern Convention concerning claims for the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. Second, these processes prove that obligations related to environmental protection and climate change are binding for states, and effective legal mechanisms aimed at protecting biodiversity exist even during periods of occupation.
The panel also discussed prospects for a potential peace treaty between the states and other examples of international arbitration. The conference once again highlighted the growing role of interstate arbitration in resolving complex disputes.
