Investor-State and Governance Disputes Masterclass

Where Power Meets Resolution

Explore how resolution is achieved when sovereign decision-making, international investment, political pressure and institutional power collide.

Led by internationally recognised mediator and conciliator Birgit Sambeth, this intensive two-half-day masterclass takes experienced dispute resolution professionals inside the realities of investor-state and governance disputes, where law, diplomacy, economics and politics converge.

Availability: Strictly limited to 15 participants

£ 995

Book Now

Programme Outcomes

Develop the insight and confidence needed to navigate disputes involving sovereign authority, international investment and complex institutional interests.

What will this Masterclass explore?

The masterclass will explore the legal, political, commercial and institutional dynamics that distinguish investor-state and governance disputes from conventional commercial conflicts.

Key themes will include:

Investor-state arbitration, mediation and conciliation
Sovereign power and investor protection
Political risk and reputational exposure
Multi-stakeholder negotiation complexity
Strategic leverage and constraint
Diplomatic and institutional pressure
Process design across jurisdictions
Confidentiality and transparency

Who should attend this masterclass?

This programme is designed exclusively for experienced practitioners, including:

Senior mediators and arbitrators
CEDR Mediator Skills Training and International Accreditation Programme alumni
Lawyers working on international and cross-border disputes
Regulatory and governance professionals
Experienced negotiators and strategic advisers
Professionals working with governments, international investors or institutional stakeholders

The programme assumes an existing understanding of dispute resolution, negotiation or related professional practice.

What will I gain from attending?

Participants will leave with:

A deeper understanding of investor-state dispute structures and settlement pathways
Greater confidence operating in politically sensitive negotiations
Practical insight into power dynamics, institutional pressure and strategic intervention
An enhanced ability to navigate law, diplomacy and negotiation simultaneously
A sophisticated understanding of how experienced neutrals create the conditions for resolution in high-stakes disputes

What level of experience is required?

This is an advanced masterclass intended for established dispute resolution professionals, lawyers, negotiators, advisers and governance specialists.

It is not an introductory mediation or arbitration course. Participants should have meaningful experience of dispute resolution, negotiation, international disputes, regulation, governance or a closely related field.

What is the format?

The programme is delivered as an intensive, highly focused masterclass over two half-days.

Participants will learn directly from Birgit Sambeth’s extensive international practice and explore the realities of resolving disputes in which legal, political, diplomatic and economic considerations intersect.

The small group size will allow for detailed discussion, professional exchange and the examination of issues that are seldom addressed in conventional dispute resolution training.

Course Length
Two intensive half-days.

Dates and Times
Thursday 14 January 2027
2:30pm – 5:30pm, followed by networking drinks

Friday 15 January 2027
9:30am – 12:30pm

This structure allows time to reflect, practise, and consolidate your learning between sessions.

Birgit Sambeth - Co-Head, Dispute Resolution at Altenburger Ltd · Switzerland

Recognised internationally as one of the leading figures in mediation and conciliation, Birgit is ranked N°1 Most Highly Regarded Mediator in Switzerland by Who's Who Legal Thought Leaders and is recognised in the Chambers Global Guide 2026.

With decades of experience resolving complex international disputes involving governments, investors, institutions and multinational organisations, she brings a perspective few practitioners ever have the opportunity to access.

Former WTO External Mediator | ICSID Panel of Conciliators | WIPO Expert Panellist | Former President, Swiss Bar Association

View Birgit's Full CEDR Profile

Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Is this course suitable for me if I don't work exclusively in investor-state disputes?

Yes. While the masterclass focuses on investor-state and governance disputes, many of the themes explored, including power dynamics, stakeholder management, strategic negotiation and process design, are relevant to professionals working on complex international, regulatory and multi-party disputes.

Do I need previous experience in mediation?

This is an advanced masterclass intended for experienced dispute resolution professionals. Participants should have a solid understanding of mediation, arbitration, negotiation or international dispute resolution. It is not designed as an introductory course.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions?

Yes. The small cohort of just 15 participants allows for discussion throughout the programme, giving participants the opportunity to explore practical issues, ask questions and learn directly from Birgit Sambeth's experience.

What is included in the course fee?

The fee includes both half-days of teaching, course materials, refreshments and networking drinks following the first afternoon session.

Is this an accredited qualification?

No. This is a specialist masterclass designed to deepen the knowledge and expertise of experienced practitioners. It does not lead to a professional accreditation or qualification.

How many places are available?

Places are strictly limited to 15 participants to encourage discussion and maximise interaction with the faculty.

Can I speak to someone before booking?

Absolutely. If you would like to discuss whether the programme is right for you, our team would be happy to answer any questions before you book.

You can contact our training team on +44 (0)207 536 6000 or at training@cedr.com.

Do I pay VAT if I'm an international participant?

Do I need to pay VAT on my course booking?

The VAT treatment of your booking depends on a number of factors, including whether you are attending on behalf of a business or as an individual, the type of course selected and where the course is delivered.

Business attendees

If you are attending as part of your current work, profession or business activities, please select the business attendee option when booking.

You may be asked to provide basic business information, such as your organisation's name and business contact details, so that we can apply the correct VAT treatment to your booking.

Individual attendees

If you are attending for personal interest, personal development or future employment opportunities, please select the individual attendee option when booking. For most courses supplied by CEDR Services Ltd, UK VAT will apply to individual attendees.

How do I ensure my booking reflects the correct VAT treatment?

Please ensure that all information provided during the booking process is accurate and complete, including your country, organisation details (where applicable) and attendee status.

Where additional review is required, your booking request may be referred to our team before it is finalised. We will contact you if we need any further information.

Will I receive a VAT invoice?

Yes. All participants will receive an invoice. The invoice will reflect the VAT treatment applicable to your booking.

Need help?

If you are unsure which option applies to you, please contact us at training@cedr.com before completing your booking and a member of the team will be happy to assist.

Resolve Conflict with Commercial Mediation and Legal ADR Services

Global panel of Mediators

Build Skills in Mediation, Conflict Management, and Effective Communication

Build Your Skills

Transform Your Workplace With a Tailored Conflict Resolution Strategy

Insights to Help You Handle Conflict Better

The CEDR Mediation Audit 2025

Search CEDR