2024 Melnick Annual Symposium

Join us for a special celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution's Melnick Symposium. This year's event will explore the evolving role of mediation in today's world, asking the thought-provoking question: is mediation a "sleeping beauty" ready to be awakened?

The Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution (CJCR) invites you to attend this annual symposium, which serves as the capstone to a series of international conferences hosted by Professors Love and De Palo in Trento, Hong Kong, Doha, Sao Paulo, The Hague, and Istanbul. The symposium will feature engaging panels on critical topics, including:

  • Quantity: Is mediation truly awake, alive, and growing?
  • Quality: Is mediation fulfilling its historic promise of promoting dialogue, collaboration, and conflict resolution?
  • The Future: How will emerging technologies like AI shape the future of mediation?
  • Global Policy Leaders and Sustainability: Examining the role of mediation in sustainable global policy initiatives.

This promises to be a dynamic event, bringing together global experts to reflect on mediation's past, present, and future.

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Schedule
2024
Friday, November 8th
8:00 AM

Breakfast & Opening Statements

Giuseppe De Palo, JAMS
Lela Love, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Andrea K. Schneider, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

9:30 AM

Panel I: Quantity: Is Mediation Awake and Alive and Growing?

Andrea K. Schneider, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Zachary Calo
Diego Faleck
Ana Sambold
Srđan Šimac

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Moderated by Andrea K. Schneider, this panel brings together experts Zachary Calo, Diego Faleck, Ana Sambold, and Srđan Šimac to examine the growing global embrace of mediation. The speakers will discuss the appeal of mediation to the general public and the implementation and utilization of a variety of mediation programs in their respective jurisdictions around the world. Together, they will explore how cultural perspectives, legal frameworks, and public trust shape the future of mediation on a global scale.

11:00 AM

Panel II: Quality: Is Mediation Fulfilling Its Historic Promise?

Lela Love, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
James Coben
Tat Lim
Ivana Ninčić Österle
Nancy Welsh

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Moderated by Lela Love, this panel features James Coben, Tat Lim, Ivana Ninčić Österle, and Nancy Welsh in a comparative discussion on the state of mediation around the world. Panelists will explore what is happening under the banner of “mediation” in their respective jurisdictions, including how mediation is evaluated through policies, practices, accreditation, and training. They will examine common challenges, emerging standards, and evolving expectations as mediation continues to develop globally.

1:15 PM

Panel III: The Future: Waves of Change and Areas of Promise: Technology and AI

Robyn Weinstein, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Giuseppe De Palo, JAMS
Felix Steffek, University of Cambridge
Noam Ebner
Colin Rule

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Moderated by Robyn Weinstein, this panel brings together Giuseppe De Palo, Felix Steffek, Noam Ebner, and Colin Rule to explore the realities, expectations, and concerns surrounding the use of technology in Alternative Dispute Resolution. From efficiency gains to ethical dilemmas, the speakers will examine both the potential advantages and the challenges of continuing to integrate technology into conflict resolution processes.

2:45 PM

Panel IV: Global Policy Leaders and Sustainability

Giuseppe De Palo, JAMS
Joyce Aluoch
Katarina Mansson
Carrie Menkel-Meadow
Nokukhanya Nox Ntuli

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderated by Giuseppe De Palo, this panel features global policy leaders Joyce Aluoch, Katarina Mansson, Carrie Menkel-Meadow, and Nokukhanya Nox Ntuli in a conversation about how to awaken a vibrant and attractive “Sleeping Beauty.” The speakers will explore strategies to elevate mediation on the world stage—examining policy reforms, institutional commitments, and public engagement efforts that can transform mediation from an underused resource into a more dynamic and accessible tool for resolving disputes.

4:00 PM

Closing Statements

Armando Gonzalez
Jed D. Melnick

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM