This three-day event kicked off on 15th March with a conference at the SCC Arbitration Institute, where guest speakers presented and discussed the challenges of data protection and cybersecurity issues in today’s business environment. Representatives from the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and SCC compared their approaches to the role of arbitration institutions, party autonomy, and procedural efficiency tools. The presentations and discussions also delved into substantive law issues like contract and treaty interpretation, providing the audience with valuable insights. The event concluded with some tips and tricks for effective oral advocacy in arbitration, leaving the audience feeling enlightened and empowered.

SULaw's deepest thanks go to Jake Lowther (Legal Counsel, SCC), Angela Bergman Evans (Senior Associate, Mannheirmer Swartling), Hjördís Birna Hjartardottir (Counsel, ICC), James Hope (Partner, Vinge), Prof Chester Brown (University of Sydney, Barrister, 7 Wentworth Selborne), and to the conference chair and moderator, Fabricio Fortese (Stockholm University). Their insightful comments and engaging presentations greatly enriched the event.

The event continued over the weekend (16-17 March), and students could practise and test their legal arguments in several arbitration hearings at Mannheimer Swartling offices. In the final round of this pre-moot competition, the University of Sydney team prevailed against the O.P. Jindal Global University team. Importantly, the weekend was full of networking opportunities, building friendships, and having fun!

Congratulations to all the students and coaches of the participating teams: Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University (Ukraine), O.P. Jindal Global University (India), Aarhus Universitet (Denmark), University of Graz (Austria), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), University of Sydney (Australia), Stockholm University (Sweden), the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn (England), University of Bonn (Germany), University of Montevideo (Uruguay), Loyola University Chicago School of Law (USA), University of Fribourg (Switzerland).

Stockholm University, SCC Arbitration Institute, and Mannheirmer Swartling wish all the teams and new colleagues the best of luck during the Vis Moot week in Vienna!