Preparing for Third Party Settlement of Boundary & Sovereignty Disputes,2-4 November 2026, Durham UK

Workshop Details

Although it is widely recognised that boundary disputes are best settled through negotiation, there are times when recourse to third party settlement also needs to be considered as an option. This workshop is designed to help governments and their legal advisors to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of third party adjudication, and to equip them with information and skills to ensure a successful outcome from the process.

Led by highly experienced international lawyers and boundary practitioners, the workshop will offer practical instruction on topics such as: choice of forum; assembling and assessing evidence; building and managing a team; presenting your case and rebutting your opponent’s case.

The workshop, organised in partnership with leading international law firm Foley Hoag, will be of value not only to countries currently involved in boundary litigation or arbitration but also to any country seeking to achieve a peaceful boundary settlement with its neighbours.

IBRU is delighted to be running this workshop in partnership with Foley Hoag, which has one of the world’s foremost boundary dispute resolution practices.

Workshop Tutors

Professor Pierre d’Argent, University of Louvain and Foley Hoag LLP

Mr Lawrence Martin, Foley Hoag LLP

Professor Martin Pratt, Bordermap Consulting

Dr Derek Smith, Foley Hoag LLP

Mr Peter Tzeng, Foley Hoag LLP 

IBRU Workshop Flyer Third Party Settlement November 2026.pdf

Workshop Programme

Monday 2 November

International boundaries and boundary disputes 
♦ The purpose and value of international boundaries
♦ Boundary-making: the global state of play
♦ Types of dispute involving international boundaries

Third party resolution of boundary disputes 
♦ The obligation to settle international disputes peacefully
♦ The principle of consent in the settlement of disputes
♦ Dispute resolution under UNCLOS

Judicial settlement and arbitration 
♦ The International Court of Justice
♦ The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
♦ Arbitration
♦ Practicalities and pros/cons of different fora

Mediation and conciliation 
♦ Benefits and drawbacks of mediation and conciliation
♦ Compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS
♦ Case studies

Tuesday 3 November

Litigation strategy 
♦ Deciding what questions to ask
♦ Choice of forum
♦ Building and preparing a team
♦ Written and oral pleadings

‘A view from the court’ 

Practical exercise: Preparing and presenting a case 
Working in teams, participants will evaluate evidence, negotiate a special
agreement, and make oral submissions in relation to a fictional territorial
sovereignty and maritime boundary dispute.

Wednesday 4 November

Technical support in boundary cases 
♦ The importance of geographical expertise
♦ Technical issues in boundary-making
♦ Bringing the landscape alive: the art of the cartographer

After the judgment 
♦ Implementing the decision
♦ Post-Judgment actions

What is included in the workshop cost

In addition to tuition and all course materials, the fee covers the following: 

• Lunch and refreshment breaks
• Bed and Breakfast accommodation for 3 nights from Sunday 1 November 2026
• Dinner on Tuesday 3 November at Durham Castle

The Venues

Radisson Hotel Durham

Accommodation 

Included in the fee are 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Durham.

Address: Frankland Lane, Durham DH1 5TA

https://radissonbludurham.com/ 

Your accommodation will be booked from Sunday 1 November for 3 nights. If you require any additional nights you will have to book and pay for additional nights with the hotel, subject to availability.

Travel 

You are expected to organise your own travel arrangements to the United Kingdom. Please be aware that if you require a visa to visit the UK, you will be required to apply for your own visa for entry in to the country. Please allow enough time for your visa to be processed before the start of the workshop. A letter on invitation can be provided to support your visa application. 

Language 

Teaching and workshop materials will be in English. 

Cancellation 

Cancellations must be received in writing not later than the 1 October 2026 and will be subject to a £250 cancellation fee, unless a substitute participant is offered. After this date the full registration fee will be charged for all cancellations. 

Programme changes 

IBRU reserves the right to modify the programme as necessary, without notice to participants. 

Reduced Workshop Rate for LDC list countries

For countries on the United Nations Least Developed Countries (LDC) list, the cost of the workshop is £1,655 per participant plus accommodation

NOTE: Places will be restricted to only 2 places per LDC country per workshop at this reduced rate. Any additional places will be available at the full cost price. Places will be available on a first come first served basis.