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Ambassadors on the go: Beyond Asia
As part of our mission to enhance awareness of Swiss Arbitration and promote Switzerland as a premier seat of arbitration, we proudly launched the Swiss Arbitration Ambassador Programme in 2023. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Co-chairs, Niklaus Zaugg, Flavio Peter, and Benjamin Gottlieb, this initiative features a stellar network of ambassadors from various jurisdictions around the world. Together, we are fostering stronger connections between the Switzerland and arbitration communities globally.
To celebrate their work, we are running a series of articles highlighting the contributions of our ambassadors, region by region. This third installment focuses on Japan and Korea, where our ambassadors have been instrumental in fostering engagement and knowledge exchange.
Japan: Swiss Arbitration Makes Its Mark
In Japan, Ambassador Yoshimi Ohara has been pivotal in introducing Swiss Arbitration to the local community. As part of Japan International Arbitration Week 2025, she co-organized a full-day conference with the Japanese Association of Arbitrators on 25 November 2025, exploring “Impact of the Current Upheaval in International Trade.” The event brings together leading practitioners, policymakers, and academics to discuss challenges and future directions in international arbitration. The day concludes with a Gala Dinner at the iconic Tokyo Kaikan, offering a perfect opportunity for networking and connecting peers from both regions.
Korea: Connecting Swiss and Korean Practices
Ambassador Ara Cho has played a key role in bridging Swiss and Korean arbitration practices. On 14 June 2025, at the In-House Counsel Forum’s annual workshop attended by 127 members, Ara and ASA member Flavio Peter led a session titled “Bridging International Arbitration Practice in Europe and Asia – A Comparison of Arbitration in Switzerland and South Korea.” During the session, they explored the strengths of the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration and Switzerland as a seat of arbitration, emphasizing Switzerland’s neutrality, rich tradition, and ongoing innovation in international dispute resolution. Ara noted that participants were highly engaged, asking numerous insightful follow-up questions and actively exploring how the Swiss framework could inform their own practices.
On 28 October 2025, during Seoul ADR Festival Week, ASA co-hosted an event titled “Swiss Contract Law: A Pragmatic and Balanced Alternative Law on the Merits.” The panels addressed topics such as contract interpretation, good faith, and recurring issues under Swiss law, with practical comparisons to Korean law. The session offered participants valuable insights and actionable guidance for considering Swiss law as the governing law in cross-border transactions.
The Swiss Arbitration Ambassador Programme is committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and stronger ties across borders. Stay tuned for the upcoming video content, and connect with the ambassadors to learn more or collaborate.