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Innovative dispute resolution can drive growth and transformation, says Minister Sarah Sackman KC ahead of LIDW25
With a theme of ‘Innovation in Dispute Resolution: Navigating Global Risks’, London International Disputes Week will bring together leading figures from across the global dispute resolution community on 2-6 June 2025.
As markets rapidly change, innovative dispute resolution not only settles disagreements but drives economic growth and transforms industries, which are vital in our fast-evolving world, says Sarah Sackman KC MP.
Sackman, a British environmental and public law barrister and former Solicitor-General for England and Wales who was appointed Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services in December, will deliver the opening address at London International Dispute Week’s Main Conference on Tuesday 3 June at the QEII Centre in Westminster, as part of an exciting LIDW programme.
“I'm proud to speak at LIDW, to highlight the UK’s world-class legal expertise on the global stage,” says Sackman. “Our legal sector is a huge part of our economy, and our firms are at the cutting edge – taking advantage of new technologies so the UK can maintain its pole position in the legal world.”
The Minister’s address will kick off a day of thoughtful and engaging discussions on the most pressing topics in litigation, arbitration and disputes, including the impact of the current geopolitical and economic landscape.
This year’s LIDW takes place in the context of the recent announcement of the Judiciary’s Strategy for International Engagement 2025-29. The strategy highlights the importance of judicial dialogue, capacity building and cross-border cooperation - values reflected throughout LIDW’s programme.
LIDW was excited to announce Sackman would deliver the opening address for the Main Conference, says LIDW Co-Chair Jonathan Cary, a partner at RPC.
“Bringing her experience as a practising barrister, former Solicitor General, and now as the Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, we look forward to the Minister’s insights and reflections on international dispute resolution.”
Following Sackman’s opening address on Tuesday morning, the first panel discussion for the LIDW Main Conference will explore “The geopolitical and economic landscape and its impact on disputes”, bringing together renowned experts including former Attorney General of Nigeria Christopher Adebayo Ojo, alongside Campbell Jackson, Cherie Blair, and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies.
Before the Main Conference begins, LIDW will kick off on Monday, 2 June with International Arbitration Day, reaffirming arbitration’s role as an integral pillar of dispute resolution and London’s status as a global arbitration centre.
The Main Conference will also feature a keynote address from former ICJ President Judge Joan Donoghue, a Fireside Chat with James Besley, Co-Head of Legal at Google DeepMind, and several topical panels covering the impact of AI, access to justice and the rule of law, and comparative perspectives from leading judges from several continents, on how courts are innovating to meet the needs of use and the challenges of modern dispute resolution.
You can find a detailed list of panelists, and secure tickets, here. With over 650 delegates expected from around the world, the LIDW25 Main Conference will offer unparalleled networking opportunities, and a closing drinks reception.