2nd GAJE-NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave 2025
International Conclave in collaboration with Global Alliance for Justice Education (GAJE) and NLUO ADR Board
Background
In order to create awareness and promote the very efficient mode of dispute resolution called Mediation, the NLUO Centre for Mediation and Negotiation organized the "GAJE-NLUO Mediation and Negotiation Conclave 2025", with the generous support of, and sponsored by, Global Alliance for Justice Education (GAJE), in collaboration with NLUO Alternative Dispute Resolution Board.
The conclave was conducted from 29th of January 2025 to 2nd of February 2025, at National University Odisha in hybrid mode. The event was honoured by the presence of Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja, Director, Indian Law Institute, as the Chief Guest gracing the occasion.
This holistically designed Conclave catered to the curiosity of participants from all over the country and the world, mostly students, and enriched their 5-Day experience by enabling them to learn and enhance their skills of mediation and negotiation. The learning techniques included Experiential Learning, Experience Sharing, Brainstorming, Group Discussions, and Lecturing, ensuring both theoretical and practical learning.
Learning Objectives
CREATE
To create awareness and educate participants about alternative remedies apart from the conventional legal system.
ANALYZE
To enable participants to differentiate among various processes of ADR.
UNDERSTAND
To familiarize participants with ADR concepts and legal provisions, emphasizing communication in dispute resolution.
APPLY
To provide practical exposure through simulation exercises and competitions on mediation and negotiation.
Distinguished Resource Persons
Prof. Ved Kumari
Vice-Chancellor, NLUO | Trained Mediator
Former Dean and Head, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. Pioneer in juvenile justice research and judicial training reforms.
Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V K Ahuja
Director, Indian Law Institute
Senior Professor with 30+ years experience, authored several books on IPR, International Law, and Mediation.
Charlie Irvine
Director, University of Strathclyde Mediation Clinic
Qualified solicitor and mediator, started the Mediation Clinic in 2011 providing small claims mediation across Scotland's courts.
Ms. Pauline McKay
Mediation Co-ordinator, University of Strathclyde
Full-time Co-ordinator with 30+ years university experience and 5 years as trained mediator.
Daniel Brantes Ferreira
CEO, Brazilian Centre for Mediation and Arbitration
Independent arbitrator, CIArb fellow, and Editor-in-Chief of Brazilian Journal of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti
Professor of Law, University of Delhi | Trained Mediator
Certified Professional Mediator from IIAM with pioneering research on legal personality of unborn/foetus.
Daily Schedule
Day 1 (January 29, 2025)
The Art of Communication
Speaker: Prof. Ved Kumari
Focus on communication fundamentals, body language, self-esteem, and self-fulfillment
Overview of the Mediation Act, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Eluckiaa Asaithambi
Comprehensive analysis of the Act's provisions, objectives, and amendments
Formal Inauguration
Chief Guest: Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja
Introduction of GAJE, NLUO ADR Board, and NLUO CMN Board
Day 2 (January 30, 2025)
Krishna and Mediation
Speaker: Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja
Ancient roots of mediation traced through Mahabharata and Krishna's role as mediator
The Art of Negotiation
Speaker: Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti
Orange Theory, negotiation styles, and hands-on negotiation exercises
Mediation and the Criminal Justice System
Speaker: Prof. (Mrs.) Alok Sharma
Role of mediation in criminal cases and judicial recognition through landmark cases
Day 3 (January 31, 2025)
International Conference on Dispute Resolution
Paper Presentations on Mediation
Scholars from prestigious universities presented research papers
Mediation Clinics and Their Working
Speakers: Charlie Irvine & Pauline McKay
Online workshop on mediation clinic operations and court collaborations
Day 4 (February 1, 2025)
Hybrid and Multi-tiered Dispute Resolution
Speaker: Daniel Brantes Ferreira
Analysis of dispute resolution clauses and international arbitration model clauses
2nd GAJE-NLUO National Negotiation Competition 2025
Competition Results
🏆 Winners: NALSAR Hyderabad
Demonstrated exceptional negotiation prowess in the final round
🥈 Runners-up: MNLU Mumbai
Achieved multiple accolades:
- Best Negotiating Team in Preliminary Rounds
- Best Client and Best Counsel
- Spirit of the Competition Award
Semi-finalists
WBNUJS Kolkata and JGLS also reached the semifinal rounds
Competition Highlights
- • First-ever offline negotiation competition at NLUO
- • Commercial disputes ranging from motion picture to maritime industry
- • Rigorous preliminary and quarterfinal rounds
- • Distinguished judges: Adv. Surya Prasad Mishra, Dr. Pallab Das, and Ms. Shweta Sahu
- • Participation from leading law schools across the country
Learning Outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
Understanding of fundamental ADR concepts, identifying dispute limitations in formal judicial systems, and comparison of different dispute resolution methods.
ATTITUDE
Solving problems and disputes amicably through appropriate ADR mechanisms and encouraging people to use ADR.
SKILL
Communicating effectively, choosing appropriate negotiation strategies, knowing BATNA, WATNA and MLATNA, and drawing settlement agreements.
ETHICS
Solving ethical dilemmas while acting as negotiators and mediators, respecting the demeanor of each individual participating in dialogue.