The Mauritius International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) is pleased to announce that it has concluded, on 5 July 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding with Middlesex University Mauritius in relation to the Mauritius Arbitration Academy.
The agreement was signed by Professor Mari Jansen Van Rensburg, Campus Director of Middlesex University Mauritius and by Mr. Yvan Jean-Louis, Director of MIAC.
During the signing ceremony, Prof. Mari Jansen Van Rensburg underscored the instrumental role arbitration plays in the legal landscape. She put forward that this partnership between the Mauritius Arbitration Academy and MIAC will help bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering all law students, not only those studying at Middlesex University Mauritius, an opportunity to delve deep into practical aspects of arbitration through seminars and workshops and to learn from seasoned arbitration practitioners. Finally, Prof. Jansen Van Rensburg emphasized that this collaboration is more than an agreement – it signifies the shared dedication of both institutions to promote and elevate the practice of arbitration across Mauritius and their commitment to students who are the future of our legal profession.
For his part, Mr. Yvan Jean-Louis commended the Middlesex University Mauritius for the initiative that is the Mauritius Arbitration Academy and underscored its importance in showcasing Mauritius as an arbitration friendly jurisdiction. Mr. Jean-Louis highlighted that the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is synonymous of MIAC’s commitment and dedication to help the next generation of law practitioners and arbitrators.
Mr. Igor Valère, a law graduate of Middlesex University Mauritius, described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding as a landmark event promising to add significant value to the educational experience of students like him. Mr. Valère conveyed his confidence in this partnership aiming to provide students, invaluable skills that will set them apart in a competitive job market and act as a powerful catalyst for career growth.
The event was held at the Mauritius Arbitration Suite in a hybrid format and followed by an insightful panel discussion on Careers in Arbitration moderated by Ms. Vandana Beessoo (Lecturer at Middlesex University Mauritius and Lead of the Mauritius Arbitration Academy) with Mr. Yvan Jean-Louis (Ag. Assistant Solicitor-General and Director of MIAC), Mr. Mithilesh Lallah (Barrister at Lallah Chambers), Mr. Wesley Pydiamah (Partner and Deputy Head Africa Group at Eversheds Sutherland), Ms. Olga Boltenko (Partner at Fandga Partners), Ms. Reshma Oogarah (Arbitrator and Legal Counsel at Niyom Legal) and Ms. Clémence Assou (MIAC Registrar and Legal Counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration). Each panelist shared their own experiences and offered guidance to law students and practitioners present. The panel was followed by a lively Q&A and a networking cocktail.
