On Oct. 27, WTO Chairs Programme Advisory Board Member Dr. Giorgio Sacerdoti visited WTO Chair at UIBE and gave a lecture to students and faculty on dispute settlement reform. Invited by WTO Chairholder at UIBE Prof. Tu Xinquan, Dr. Sacerdoti presented on the compelling topic, “Comparing trade and investment dispute settlement, from success to crisis and reform.” The lecture, held on October 27 in a packed Room 505, provided a masterful overview of the parallel challenges facing the World Trade Organization and international investment arbitration.

Drawing on his vast experience as a former Chairman of the WTO Appellate Body and a leading arbitrator, Dr. Sacerdoti traced the evolution of both systems. He detailed their initial successes in providing a rules-based framework for global commerce, analyzed the political and operational crises that have stalled them, and outlined the ongoing, critical efforts for reform.

"The lecture was an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn from one of the foremost authorities in the field," said Professor TU following the event. "Dr. Sacerdoti didn't just describe the problems; he provided a clear-eyed perspective on the future of resolving international trade and investment conflicts." The session fostered a dynamic question-and-answer period, allowing attendees to engage directly with Dr. Sacerdoti on complex issues such as the paralysis of the WTO Appellate Body and the development of a multilateral investment court.The event was widely regarded as a highlight of the academic calendar, bridging the gap between high-level international policy and classroom learning.