Arbitration charity founded by legal scholar wins award

A charity established by Dr Emilia Onyema, Professor of International Commercial Law, won its category at the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Awards in Paris on 10 April.

Founded by Dr Onyema in 2019, the Arbitration Fund for African Students (AFAS) widens access to the field of arbitration by providing training, mentoring and resources to African university students. The charity was awarded the "Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge" for training 400 students in 2024, alongside setting up secondary school pathways to arbitration through its ADR Connect Program.

This recognition further reassures us that the work we are doing is important and impactful; providing equitable access to knowledge and skills for the talented students that we support.

Outside of her work with AFAS, Dr Onyema was shortlisted as an individual in the “Best speech” category for her Roebuck Lecture, “Access to Arbitral Justice for Local Communities”. This speech also won “Publication and/or Speech of the Year” at the 2024 Africa Arbitration Association Awards.

Speaking after her win, Dr Onyema said: "This recognition further reassures us that the work we are doing is important and impactful; providing equitable access to knowledge and skills for the talented students that we support. We are very proud of our work and thank GAR for the recognition and Arbitral Women for the part funding to deliver this project."

Now in their 15th year, the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Awards “recognise excellence, celebrate achievements, facilitate professional connections and encourage community within the arbitration sector.” 

Imagery: Arbitration Fund for African Students (AFAS). Source: LinkedIn.