This year's Alexander Lecture will be delivered by Amb (r) Roberto Azevêdo FCIArb who will explore the topic of Last Anchor or Next Casualty? International Arbitration in an Era of Polarisation, Fragmentation, and Unilateralism.

Brazilian diplomat and former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Amb (r) Roberto Azevêdo FCIArb will deliver our highly anticipated annual Alexander Lecture 2026 on polarisation in international arbitration.

The Lecture will take place at the prestigious Grocers’ Hall in London. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with the Lecture starting at 6:00 pm. The Lecture will also be available to attend virtually.

Ciarb’s Lecture series is a flagship event in the ADR calendar, and a must-attend for dispute resolution professionals.

Amb (r) Roberto Azevêdo FCIArb is a Brazilian diplomat and former Director-General of the World Trade Organization (2013–2020). He is widely regarded as one of the leading global authorities on geopolitics, international trade, and economic governance. Prior to leading the WTO, he served as Brazil’s Ambassador to the organisation (2008–2013) and built a distinguished career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), acting as chief negotiator in multilateral rounds, counsel in trade disputes, and international arbitrator. 

During his tenure at the WTO, he oversaw the conclusion of the first multilateral agreements in nearly two decades, including the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), and the agreement eliminating agricultural export subsidies. He also advanced initiatives in e-commerce, investment, and services, earning a reputation for negotiating under pressure, crisis management, and consensus-building in highly polarized environments. 

Amb (r) Azevêdo brings decades of experience in international dispute resolution, trade law, and high-level negotiation. Throughout his diplomatic career, he participated in numerous WTO dispute settlement proceedings, served as a WTO panelist, and facilitated complex negotiations among governments with divergent interests. His career has been defined by building consensus, resolving disputes, and navigating some of the world's most complex legal and commercial policy issues. 

After leaving the WTO, he joined PepsiCo in New York as Executive Vice President for Global Corporate Affairs (2020–2023). In 2023, he founded 9G Consulting and Advisory Services in the United States, focusing on strategic advisory for companies and investors on trade, geopolitical risks, public policy, and global value chains. Amb (r) Azevêdo is a founding partner of YvY Capital, an asset management firm.

He chairs the Superior Council for Foreign Trade (COSCEX) of FIESP and is a Council member of the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration. He is an international speaker with frequent appearances in the media and at global forums. 

Virtual registration is FREE and discounted rates available for Ciarb Members!

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View previous Alexander Lectures here, including Trofessor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab C.Arb FCIArb, Landau KC C.Arb FCIArb's lecture, which won a GAR Award; International Investment Arbitration and the Search for Depoliticisation, and Claudia Salomon FCIArb's GAR nominated lecture, 'Guardian, Gatekeeper or Guide?'

Our prestigious Alexander Lecture was founded in recognition of the contribution of former Ciarb President John Russell Willis Alexander (1897-1985) to alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Ciarb's lecture is considered one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the ADR calendar.