International commercial mediation
Mediation is a private dispute resolution process in which parties choose to amicably settle their disputes through reaching a mutual agreement with the assistance of a third party (the mediator). Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator lacks the authority to impose a binding solution upon the parties.
International commercial mediation refers to the mediated resolution of disputes that relate to international commercial relations.
For general information and resources on mediation, visit the Alternative Dispute Resolution page.
Singapore Convention on Mediation
The United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (known as the Singapore Convention based on where it was opened for signature) entered into force on 12 September 2020.
Following consultations on the Singapore Convention, we are progressing work on signing and implementing the convention in accordance with our usual domestic treaty-making processes.
Background
The Singapore Convention facilitates international trade and commerce. It promotes mediation as an alternative, effective way to resolve cross-border commercial disputes.
It does this by establishing a uniform framework for enforcing international mediated settlement agreements of a commercial nature.
The Singapore Convention applies to settlement agreements that are:
- international
- concluded to resolve a commercial dispute
- a result of mediation.
Signatories to the convention include key trading partners for Australia such as:
- the USA
- China
- India
- the Republic of Korea
- Singapore.
Read a full list of all signatories.
Consultation
In October 2020, we held a public consultation on the Singapore Convention, seeking views about the law and policy matters it raised.
Find out more about the Singapore Convention public consultation.
Find out more
If you have any questions or comments, email pil@ag.gov.au.