26 - 30 October, 2025, Maldives
Maldives ADR Week
About MAW 2025
Maldives ADR Week (MAW 2025) is the first-of-its-kind week-long initiative in the Maldives dedicated to advancing dialogue, knowledge, and practice in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
MAW 2025 will bring together global experts, practitioners, academics, policymakers, and students to exchange ideas and shape the future of ADR in a rapidly evolving world.
The event will serve as a hub for cross-border learning, professional networking, and the exploration of ADR’s role in fostering peace, sustainability, and justice.
With a mix of panels, sessions, and a maritime competition, MAW 2025 aims to strengthen the Maldives’ position as a regional platform for ADR and contribute to the global conversation on resolving disputes in innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ways.
Organiser
Maldives Moot Court Society (MMCS)
Host Institution
Villa College, Faculty of Shariah and Law
Dates
26 - 30 October, 2025, Sunday through Thursday
Venue
Villa College QI Campus, Rah Dhebai Hingun 20373 Malé, Republic of Maldives
Why Maldives?
As a small island nation at the frontline of the climate crisis, the Maldives offers a unique perspective on ADR’s role in creating adaptive, non-adversarial solutions. Beyond its role as a frontline state, the Maldives is also one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—where turquoise waters, coral reefs, and island serenity remind us of what peace and sustainability truly mean.
MAW 2025 Theme
The theme, “Waves of Resolution: Advancing Sustainable Peace in a Changing World,”embodies the evolving power of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a peaceful, flexible, and forward-thinking mechanism for resolving conflicts.
The focus on “sustainable peace” reflects ADR’s potential as a tool not only for dispute resolution but also for long-term societal resilience, especially in addressing climate-related and maritime challenges. As small island nations like the Maldives stand at the forefront of the climate crisis, ADR offers adaptive, non-adversarial solutions to disputes over resources, borders, and environmental degradation.
Drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ deep-rooted connection with the ocean, the phrase “Waves of Resolution” reflects the transformative role of ADR.
The emphasis on “a changing world” highlights the rapidly shifting global landscape shaped by technological advancements, cross-border commerce, digital transformation, and geopolitical shifts and underscores the urgent need for innovative and culturally sensitive dispute resolution frameworks.
MAW 2025 Schedule
Day 1
26 Oct, 2025
16:00 PM
Arrival
16:30 PM
Opening Remarks by Ms. Hoona Haneef, MMCS ADR Advocacy Executive
16:40 PM
Welcome Address by MMCS: Mr. Zayan Shareef and VC: Ms. Asna Ahmed
16:55 PM
Special Guest Keynote Recorded Address by Prof. Gary Born, Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale
17:15 PM
Inaugural Keynote Address by Mr. Ahmed Muizzu, Managing Partner, Muizzu & Co. LLP
17:35 PM
Cultural Segment
18:00 PM
Reception & Networking High Tea
Day 2
27 Oct, 2025
09:30 AM
Panel Discussion on Climate Change and Green Arbitration in Island Nations – From Environmental Justice to Customary Mechanisms with experts: Mr. Mian Sheraz Javaid, Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Ms. Pragya Parijat Singh and Moderator: Mr. Mohd Arsh Shery
10:45 AM
Maldives UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Day 2025 Round Table Discussion with a recorded address from Ms. Athita Komindr, Head of UNCITRAL RCAP.
11:45 AM
Lunch
13:00 PM
Evening Closing Event by Villa College Law Society
Day 3
28 Oct, 2025
09:30 AM
Panel Discussion on Maritime Disputes and Resolution – Arbitration Trends, Blue Economy and Legal Complexities with experts: Mr. Harshal Babarao Bhale, Ms. Mariyam Shaany, Ms. Pragya Parijit Singh and Moderater: Ms. Christina Wong
10:45 AM
Panel Discussion on Advancing Mediation Practice – From Commercial Disputes to Cross-Culture Competence and Advocacy with experts: Ms. Khadheeja Shabeen, Mr. W. Patrick McPhilamy, III, Mr. Joe Tirado and Moderator: Ms. Shafeea Riza.
11:45 AM
Lunch
13:00 PM
Evening Closing Event by Villa College Law Society
Day 4
29 Oct, 2025
09:30 AM
Panel Discussion on Digital and Emerging Trends in ADR – Exploring Online Dispute Resolution and Artificial Intelligence with experts: Ms. Ma'asha Luthufee, Mr. Subhash Bhutoria, Mr. Nikolaos Voutyrakos, and Moderator, Ms. Khushi Goel
10:45 AM
Panel Discussion on Trade, Investment & Institutional Growth – Strengthening ADR for Sustainable Development with experts: Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Mr. Mohamed Aseel Hassan, Mr. Mohamed Shafeeu and Moderator: Mr. Amish Abdullah
11:45 AM
Lunch
17:00 PM
Evening Closing Dinner hosted by MMCS (by invitation only)
Day 5
30 Oct, 2025
10:45 AM
MMCS International Maritime Arbitration Competition 2025 Final Round featuring the Finalists: National Law University Delhi, India and Roger Williams University School of Law, USA and Arbitrators: Mr. W. Patrick McPhilamy, III, Mr. Harshal Babarao Bhale and Ms. Suma Ilyas
11:45 AM
Lunch
14:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
Our Speakers & Panelists
Prof. Gary Born
Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale
Ahmed Muizzu
Managing Partner, Muizzu & Co LLP, Maldives
Athita Komindr
Head, UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNCITRAL RCAP)
Asna Ahmed
Dean, Faculty of Shariah and Law, Villa College, Maldives
Suma Ilyas
Founder & President, Maldives Moot Court Society
Zayan Shareef
Secretary General, Maldives Moot Court Society
Hoona Haneef
ADR Advocacy Executive, Maldives Moot Court Society
Malsaa Ahmed
Mooting Advocacy Executive, Maldives Moot Court Society
Khushi Goel
ADR Advocacy Head, Maldives Moot Court Society
Amish Abdullah
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Shariah and Law, Villa College, Maldives
Khadeeja Shabeen
Former Deputy Attorney General of the Maldives
Dr. Rajesh Sharma
Associate Professor, Criminology & Justice, RMIT University, Australia
Mian Sheraz Javaid
English Barrister, Arbitrator, Adjudicator, and Mediator
Mariyam Shaany
Attorney-at-Law, Republic of Maldives
W. Patrick McPhilamy, III
Lawyer, Mediator & Arbitrator, United States of America
Mohamed Aseel Hassan
Senior Associate, SHC Law & Tax LLP, Maldives
Harshal Babarao Bhale
Maritime Lawyer, United Arab Emirates
Joe Tirado
International Arbitrator, Mediator and ADR Consultant, United Kingdom
Pragya Parijat Singh
Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India
Ma’asha Luthufee
Senior Partner Alif Law Chambers LLP, Maldives
Mohamed Shafeeu
Partner, Muizzu & Co. LLP, Maldives.
Nikolaos Voutyrakos
Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School, India
Subhash Bhutoria
Founder & Principal, Law SB, India
Shafeea Riza
Managing Partner, Riza & Co. LLP, Maldives
Mohd Arsh Shery
Lecturer, Faculty of Shariah and Law, Villa College, Maldives
MAW 2025 Supporting Organisations
Register for MAW 2025!
Be part of MAW 2025 by completing the registration form below. Upon receipt of the form, our team will reach out via email. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait — reserve your spot today!