BRICS Senior Officials’ Meeting On Strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution Through Capacity Building In Mediation And Arbitration.

New Delhi, Delhi, 20th of May, 2026 : Under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship, the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, concluded a Senior Officials’ Meeting on 19 to 20 May 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to deepen cooperation on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The meeting was held in hybrid mode, with senior officers from Brazil, China, India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. It concluded with a shared consensus on a Joint Declaration titled “Declaration of the Ministers of Justice of the BRICS Countries on Strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution through Capacity Building in Mediation and Arbitration,” which will be presented for formal adoption at the Hon’ble Ministers of Justice Meeting to be held on 21 to 22 May 2026 in Gandhinagar.

The meeting brought together senior justice officials from BRICS countries for comprehensive discussions on ADR‑related issues. Delegates deliberated on institutional mediation, arbitration reforms, and the role of ADR in commercial and public‑sector disputes, highlighting experiences, challenges, and emerging trends in their respective jurisdictions. After extensive and constructive dialogue, the Senior Officials finalized the text of the Declaration, which captures the collective commitment of BRICS countries to expand, professionalize, and mainstream mediation and arbitration as accessible and effective means. The outcome reflects BRICS members’ shared vision of building resilient, innovative, and cooperative legal ecosystems.

*******

About The Author