The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition is one of the biggest educational competitions worldwide dedicated exclusively to international commercial mediation.
ICC’s largest educational event of the year, ICC Mediation Week (#ICCMW), will be hosted in Paris. The ICC Mediation Competition gathers 350+ students and coaches, as well as 150+ professional mediators, academics from across the world and numerous volunteers, sponsors and observers.
During the ICC Mediation Competition, students representing 48 University teams will compete to resolve international business disputes through mediation guided by professional mediators under the ICC Mediation Rules. Their performance is evaluated by some of the world’s leading dispute resolution specialists who participate as judges.
Please click here to read the ICC Mediation Competition Rules.
Mission Statement
The ICC Mediation Competition aims to expand the reach of mediation by bringing together a global community of distinguished mediation professionals and university students. Leveraging ICC’s expertise in ADR, cross-border trade and learning, the Competition takes place annually in Paris and is structured around successive rounds of mediation sessions between different teams. During these sessions, the students develop their skills in case strategy, negotiation, and advocacy with the help of professionals acting as mediators in mock cases conducted under the ICC Mediation Rules. Moreover, the Competition is host to a series of knowledge sharing and networking events.
Goals
- Equip the next generation of legal and business professionals around the world with practical and transferable skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, communication and problem solving. These will empower students to effectively deal with challenging situations and conflicts of different nature in their future career paths.
- Provide mediation professionals with the opportunity to share their valuable knowledge and expertise with bright international students and mentor them while advancing best practice in commercial mediation with industry peers.
- Connect international mediation professionals with the leaders of tomorrow amplifying shared learning to promote access to justice and contribute to business continuity, as key focus of ICC’s work and a powerful force for international peace.
Programme for ICC Mediation Week 2026
| Monday 2 February 2026 |
Preliminary Rounds Welcome Reception |
| Tuesday 3 February 2026 | Preliminary Rounds |
| Wednesday 4 February 2026 | Preliminary Rounds |
| Thursday 5 February 2026 | Quarter Final Rounds |
| Friday 6 February 2026 |
13th ICC Mediation Roundtable Mediation – Professional Stories Semi-Final Rounds |
| Saturday 7 February 2026 |
Final Round Awards Ceremony |
*The programme is subject to change by the Organising Committee.
Venue
Paris
Dates
2-7 February 2026
Registration fees
The registration fee per team is calculated according to the number of team members.
- Two students: €375 (€450 with VAT)
- Three students: €490 (€588 with VAT)
- Four students: €595 (€714 with VAT)
- First coach: Included in initial registration fee
- Second coach: €110 (€132 with VAT)
- Observer: €360 (€432 with VAT)
*VAT is applicable to all registration fees
The registration fee must be paid in full prior to the ICC Mediation Competition. Teams that do not complete the payment process within the given timeline will not be admitted. Only selected universities will be asked to pay the registration fee.
There are no scholarship or registration waivers available for this programme.
If you have any questions, please contact us at iccmediationcompetition@iccwbo.org.
Working language
English
Cancellation policy
50% of the registration fee will be refunded if notice of cancellation is received in writing by Friday 5 December 2025. Cancellations after this date are not refundable.
Please be informed that any form of cancellation will incur a cancellation fee of 5€ + 2.75% of the registration fee which must be covered by the participant.
Please note that ICC reserves the right to cancel this event or to make minor alterations to the content and timing of the programme or to the identity of the professionals. In the unlikely event of cancellation, delegates will be offered a full refund. ICC will not, however, be held responsible for any related expense incurred by the participant.
Disclaimer
The photos and audiovisual recordings taken at this meeting/event may be used and published by ICC, its subsidiaries, or affiliates, for informational or promotional purposes in printed materials or online, including on ICC websites and in social media. Participation in the meeting/event implies agreement to such use of photos or audiovisual recordings in which the participant may appear unless ICC receives written notification to the contrary.
- August 25, 2025 – Applications Open for University Teams, Professionals, Volunteers and Observers
- October 3, 2025 – Application Submissions Deadline for University Teams, Professionals and Volunteers
- November 3, 2025 – Announcement of Application Decisions
- November 10, 2025 – Applications Open for Observers
- November 14, 2025 – Visa Request Letter Deadline for University Teams, Professionals and Volunteers
- November 14, 2025 – Professional Information Deadline: Bio’s Contact info, Conflicts, Schedule Availability
- November 21, 2025 – Registration Fee Payment Deadline for University Teams
- December 5, 2025 – Visa Proof Deadline – All University Teams, Professionals and Volunteers who need visas to attend the Competition must submit documentation of their visa or date they will receive their Visa
- December 19, 2025 – Clarification Questions Deadline for University Teams
- January 9, 2026 – Applications Close for Observers
- January 13, 2026 – Volunteer Training Session 1 (Volunteers must attend at least one training session in order to participate in the Competition)
- January 15, 2026 – Volunteer Training Session 2 (Volunteers must attend at least one training session in order to participate in the Competition)
- January 16, 2026 – Educational Webinar Event for University Team members
- January 20, 2026 – Professional Training Session 1 (Professionals must attend at least one training session in order to participate in the Competition)
- January 22, 2026 – Professional Training Session 2 (Professionals must attend at least one training session in order to participate in the Competition)
- February 2-7,2026 – 21st ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition Week
- February 13, 2026 – Scoring and Participation Certificates available to University Teams
- February 20, 2026 – Participation Certificates available to Professionals and Volunteers
- January 23, 2026 – Mediation Plans for Preliminary Problems 1-3 Deadline for University Teams
- February 27, 2026 – Deadline for Competition Evaluations
* General and confidential Problem information will be released to University Teams once we have received their registration fee and additional registration information.
Applications are now OPEN and will close on 9 January 2026. Click here to apply.
Individuals who wish to attend the competition but are not participating as a Judge, Mediator, Volunteer, or competing Team may apply to join as paid observers. This category is open to anyone interested in experiencing the event, gaining insights, and engaging with the competition community without taking on an official role. Observers will have the opportunity to attend sessions, social events, witness the competition in action, and gain valuable insights into the process, all while engaging with the wider community in a meaningful way.
Please make sure you have reviewed and understand the ICC Mediation Competition Rules.
The ICC Mediation Competition is an inclusive, educational, and strictly non-political event that aims to foster dialogue and promote peaceful dispute resolution. We’re looking for passionate individuals with a strong interest in international mediation and arbitration. If you're motivated to learn, engage with experts, and be part of one of the most prestigious events in the field, we’d love for you to join us as an Observer.”
Applications are now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who applied! The Organising Committee will now review all applications and results will be announced by November 3, 2025.
Thank you again and stay tuned!
Please make sure you have reviewed and understand the ICC Mediation Competition Rules.
The ICC Mediation Competition is an inclusive, educational, and strictly non-political event that aims to foster dialogue and promote peaceful dispute resolution. All applications have been assessed based on their individual merit, with selected university teams coming from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds.
Applications are now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who applied! The Organising Committee will now review all applications and results will be announced by November 3, 2025.
Selection process
Basic requirements for participation as a Professional include formal and thorough mediation training, practice in mediating commercial disputes.
The Organising Committee selects professionals based on the following criteria (in no specific order):
- Mediation qualification
- Mediation accreditation
- Experience in (commercial) mediation
- Other relevant dispute resolution experience and professional background
- Experience in conducting mediation and ADR trainings
- Availability
- English language skills
- Cross-cultural experience
Availability
While professionals are not expected to be present for the entirety of the Competition, preference will be given to those with greater availability. To guarantee that the quality of the event remains at a high level, all professionals will be expected to attend at least one mandatory training session.
Please make sure you have reviewed and understand the ICC Mediation Competition Rules.
Important Notes:
- Newcomer Professionals (those participating for the first time) will be assigned as Judges and have to observe at least one session before judging. They are guaranteed at least one session to judge, with the option to observe more. Only returning professionals are selected for the finals rounds.
- Returning Professionals (those who have participated in more than one ICC Mediation Competition) are guaranteed at least two sessions as a Judge or Mediator, with more sessions assigned based on availability and the competition schedule.
The ICC Mediation Competition is an inclusive, educational, and strictly non-political event that aims to foster dialogue and promote peaceful dispute resolution. All applications have been assessed based on their individual merit, with selected university teams coming from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds.
Become a Problem Case Author for the Mediation Competition
Help us craft engaging and realistic scenarios for students to compete on by joining our pool of professional Problem Case Authors.
We’re always looking for talented professionals to contribute to the next edition of the Competition. If you’re interested in submitting your application and being considered as one of our upcoming authors, please complete the form below.
- Volunteer applicants will be required to take a test on the ICC Mediation Competition Rules in order to be considered for the Competition. The test will be emailed out to Volunteers following the closing date of the application period.
- Following the Competition, we would be delighted to issue you a certificate of participation.
- We appreciate your interest in assisting us with the Competition as we work to make it a great success for all involved. We look forward to working with you in February 2026.
Please make sure you have reviewed and understand the ICC Mediation Competition Rules.
The ICC Mediation Competition is an inclusive, educational, and strictly non-political event that aims to foster dialogue and promote peaceful dispute resolution. All applications have been assessed based on their individual merit, with selected university teams coming from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds.
Become a Key Supporter of the ICC Mediation Competition
Join us in celebrating 20 years of advancing peaceful dispute resolution. Your support will enable the anniversary edition of the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition to reach new heights. As a partner, you’ll connect with a diverse, international audience of professionals and students, showcasing your commitment to providing educational opportunities and exposure to talented learners. Become part of this meaningful event and help us empower and inspire the next wave of mediators and business leaders!
For further information please contact:
Organiser
Look back at our last event
Interested in seeing what our previous event looked like?
See all the pictures from the 20th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition