English law and reconstruction: Ukrainian-British forum launched in London
On June 4, the UK–Ukraine English Law Forum was held in London, designed to serve as a platform for legal dialogue between the legal communities of Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Key topics included the application of English law, commercial disputes, arbitration, and mediation in the context of investment and Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Oleksandr Chernykh, a representative of the Ukrainian National Bar Association in the UK, participated in the event, which was organized by the UK Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).
«One of the key messages of the event was that the British legal community continues to strongly support Ukraine. As our country continues its reforms and prepares for post-war recovery, it is important to draw on the best international practices and experience. The expertise, professional standards, and institutional knowledge of our British colleagues can make a significant contribution to this process, - he commented on the newly established format of cooperation. - Over the past four years, serving as the representative of the Ukrainian National Bar Association in the United Kingdom, I have consistently received invaluable support from colleagues in London and Edinburgh. Their solidarity, openness to cooperation, and willingness to share their experience have been crucial in strengthening professional ties between our legal communities».
The caliber of the forum was evident from its participants: the event brought together representatives of government institutions, professional self-governing bodies, the judiciary, academia, and the legal business sector. Welcoming remarks were delivered by BIICL Director and CEO Sonya Skits, UK Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice Sarah Sackman, Acting Minister of Justice of Ukraine Lyudmyla Sugak, chairman of the Bar Council of England and Wales and President of the Law Society of England and Wales Mark Evans.
The event was moderated by Maria Tymofienko, director of the Forum and Research Fellow at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).
Participants in the panel discussion included Robin Knowles, Judge of the High Court of England and Wales international arbitration lawyer Jonathan Wood, BIICL Honorary Senior Research Fellow Helen Dodds, partner at the international law firm Hogan Lovells Michael Davison, and chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement Serhiy Ionushas. During the discussion on creating a favorable investment climate, the latter emphasized the importance of the rule of law as one of the key prerequisites for attracting foreign investment and the successful reconstruction of Ukraine.
«The British experience in ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession is particularly valuable for Ukraine. It is trust in the justice system, the predictability of the legal system, and the genuine rule of law that form the foundation for investment and economic development», - added O. Chernykh.
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