FAI 115th Anniversary Conference
From Nordic Roots to Global Reach
21 August 2026, Helsinki, Finland
Founded in 1911, the Finland Arbitration Institute is one of the oldest continuously operating arbitration institutions in the world and the oldest in the Nordic region. For 115 years, the Institute has provided a neutral and independent framework for the resolution of cross-border disputes through periods of political, economic and legal change.
The anniversary conference marks both a celebration and a moment of reflection. International commercial arbitration has developed within a global environment that has traditionally favoured legal predictability, cross-border trade and enforceability. Today, that environment is increasingly shaped by geopolitical tension, regulatory fragmentation and a renewed emphasis on sovereignty.
The conference programme explores how international commercial arbitration operates when the rules-based order is under strain. The discussion moves from contract drafting and risk allocation through arbitration proceedings to the recognition and enforcement of awards.
The day concludes with a gala dinner in Suomenlinna, a sea fortress that has stood through centuries of change, where colleagues, partners and friends will gather for an evening of dinner and music to mark the Institute’s 115th anniversary.
Conference Brochure
Download the conference brochure for an overview of the FAI 115th Anniversary Conference, including a foreword by Secretary General Henrik Sajakorpi and key event information.
Programme
Seminar Venue: Valkoinen Sali, Aleksanterinkatu 16, Helsinki
11:15
Registration and Lunch
12:15
Welcome Remarks
Mika Hemmo, Chair of the Board, FAI
Henrik Sajakorpi, Secretary General, FAI
12:30
The Helsinki Lecture 2026: International Commercial Arbitration in Uncertain Times
International commercial arbitration has long operated within a broader framework that supported cross-border trade, legal predictability and the enforcement of obligations. While never insulated from political tension, recent developments indicate shifts in how states position themselves in relation to economic interdependence and regulatory autonomy.
This keynote reflects on how arbitration adapts to a changing global environment and what continues to sustain confidence in it.
Speaker:
Gary Born, Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale
13:00 Networking Break
13:30
Panel I: When Contracts Collide with Geopolitics
Public law constraints increasingly reshape contractual rights and obligations in cross-border transactions. Sanctions, export controls and tariff regimes can disrupt performance, restrict payment flows and call into question the validity or continuation of contractual commitments.
This panel explores how different legal frameworks address the consequences of such constraints and how parties manage contractual risk in an environment marked by geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty. It also examines how these issues shape the design of dispute resolution mechanisms.
Moderator:
Natalia Petrik, Counsel, Westerberg & Partners
Speakers:
John W. Lowe, Arbitrator, Lowe Arbitration
Anna-Maria Tamminen, Managing Partner, Hannes Snellman
Dr. Deming Zhao, Partner, Global Law Office
Hayato Katayama, Global Head of Legal, Insurance & Compliance, Ocean Network Express
14:45 Networking Break
15:15
Panel II: When the State Enters the Hearing Room
International commercial arbitration increasingly intersects with state authority, whether because a dispute involves a state-owned or state-affiliated party, or because national courts or public authorities take measures that directly affect the proceedings. This interaction may give rise to jurisdictional objections, claims of immunity, evidentiary and confidentiality restrictions, compliance-related barriers and strategic recourse to domestic courts.
This panel examines how such dynamics shape arbitral proceedings and how tribunals and counsel navigate them.
Moderator:
Isabelle Michou, Partner, Quinn Emanuel
Speakers:
Khawar Qureshi KC, Head of McNair International
Dr. Olena Perepelynska, Partner, Impacta Law
Dr. Gisela Knuts, Independent Arbitrator
James Castello, Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers
16:30 Short Break
16:45
Panel III: When Awards Meet Power
Arbitral awards are intended to provide final and binding resolution of disputes. Their legal effect, however, ultimately depends on recognition, enforcement and, where applicable, judicial review by national courts. In an environment shaped by sanctions regimes, sovereign interests and expanding regulatory frameworks, the post-award phase may involve closer scrutiny of how private adjudication interacts with public law.
This panel examines the position of arbitral awards once they move beyond the tribunal and into domestic legal systems. It considers the role of public policy, sovereign immunity and public law constraints, and whether differing national perspectives influence the conditions under which awards are set aside, recognised or enforced.
Moderator:
Anders Forss, Partner, Castrén & Snellman
Speakers:
Carolyn Lamm, Partner, White & Case
Elliott Geisinger, Partner, Schellenberg Wittmer
Maria Pihlak, Partner, Sorainen
Sherlin Tung, Consultant, Withers
18:00
Closing Remarks
Henrik Sajakorpi, Secretary General, FAI
19:30
The Gala Dinner at Suomenlinna
An evening of dinner and music marking the Institute’s 115th anniversary, bringing together colleagues, partners and friends in a distinctive maritime setting.
Registration & Fees
Registration
Registration is now open and will remain open until the event is fully booked. As places are limited, we encourage early registration.
Conference Pass
EUR 650 + VAT
The Conference Pass includes the seminar at Valkoinen Sali and the Gala Dinner at Suomenlinna.
Seminar Pass
EUR 450 + VAT
The Seminar Pass covers the seminar at Valkoinen Sali. The Gala Dinner at Suomenlinna is not included.
Remote Pass
EUR 250 + VAT
The Remote Pass is available to participants outside Europe. It includes live remote access to the seminar at Valkoinen Sali and on-demand viewing for seven days following the conference.
Reduced Rate Conference Pass
EUR 500 + VAT
The Reduced Rate Conference Pass is available to public sector, academia, and in-house counsel. It includes the seminar at Valkoinen Sali and the Gala Dinner at Suomenlinna.
Accommodation
Conference attendees can benefit from a preferential rate at Hotel Haven and Hotel St George. To book, visit hotelhaven.fi/en or stgeorgehelsinki.com and use the code SPECIAL15 at checkout for a 15% discount.
Speakers
Hayato Katayama
Global Head of Legal, Insurance & Compliance, Ocean Network Express
Partners
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