An international arbitration forum was held today to commemorate 60 years of the New York Convention’s operation.

Jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the Asian Academy of International Law, the Hong Kong Forum: 60th Anniversary of the New York Convention was attended by experts on arbitration and mediation, and judges from around the world.

Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma gave opening remarks at the forum.

Under the theme "Rejuvenating New York Convention in the 21st Century", the forum reviewed the application of the convention over the last six decades.

It also explored whether the convention needs to be modernised to meet new challenges and complexities, and discussed the implications of investment mediation on the future of investment arbitration.

Speaking at the forum, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng said the New York Convention is an important legal infrastructure for international arbitration.

Hong Kong has been actively providing training for judges in the application of the convention, she said.

Under the New York Convention, arbitral awards made in Hong Kong can be enforced in 159 contracting states and the Mainland, by way of a mutual arrangement.

Hong Kong is also active in enhancing its role as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.