3rd AIADR International Mediation Competition 2026
Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution
📌About the Event
The 3rd AIADR International Mediation Competition 2026 is an international, practice-oriented competition designed to help law students develop mediation, negotiation, advocacy and dispute-resolution skills. Organised by the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution in collaboration with the Nanning International Arbitration Court, the event connects students with mediators, practitioners and judges from different jurisdictions.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Competition type: International mediation, negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution competition
- Mode of conduct: Hybrid
- Preliminary rounds: Online
- Semi-Final and Final rounds: In person at the Nanning International Arbitration Court in Nanning, China
- Competition format: Participants take part in realistic mediation simulations involving mediators, clients and legal counsels.
- Each preliminary-round session is expected to include a 90-minute mediation exercise followed by assessment and feedback.
- The competition progresses through two preliminary rounds, the Semi-Finals and the Final.
- The eight highest-scoring teams are expected to qualify for the Semi-Finals, with the top three teams progressing to the Final ranking stage.
- Team slots are limited, and registration is being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
📅 Important Dates
- Registration opened: February 23, 2026
- Registration deadline: July 5, 2026
- Release of competition problem: July 6, 2026
- Preliminary Round 1: July 25–26, 2026
- Preliminary Round 2: August 1–2, 2026
- Semi-Finals and Final: October 10–11, 2026
- Overall competition period: July 25–October 11, 2026
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Eligibility:
- The official announcement invites law students from universities worldwide to participate.
- Participants must be bona fide students enrolled at the time of registration, and proof of enrolment may be requested.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying law or a related legal programme may apply.
- Teams may include students from the same institution or from different institutions.
- Each team must have five members, consisting of:
- One mediator
- Two counsels
- Two clients
- The mediator’s role remains fixed throughout the competition.
- Every team must appoint a lead coordinator for official communication with the organisers.
- Teams must comply with the official competition rules, schedules, confidentiality requirements and instructions issued by the AIADR Secretariat.
- The Preliminary Rounds are evaluated through scoring, with the strongest teams advancing according to cumulative performance.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Champion: Trophy and RM 1,500
- First Runner-Up: Trophy and RM 1,000
- Second Runner-Up: Trophy and RM 500
- Additional recognition may include:
- Performance Excellence Awards for mediators
- Performance Excellence Awards for negotiating teams
- Distinction for opening statements
- Distinction for teamwork
- Distinction for rapport-building skills
- Certificates of merit
- Participation certificates