Guest Lecture On Understanding International Commercial Arbitration In The Context Of American Law held at UWED

On Wednesday, 7 October of this year, a guest lecture was held at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in a hybrid format — in person and with the possibility of online connection — dedicated to one of the pressing topics of international commercial law: “Understanding International Commercial Arbitration in the Context of American Law.” The lecture focused on conflict of laws in commercial transactions — the questions that decide which court hears a cross-border dispute and which law applies to it. The event was organized and conducted under the moderation of Alisher Bobonazarov.

The guest speaker of the lecture was Farangiz Razakova, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Founder and Managing Consultant at Femida LLC, who shared her professional experience with UWED students and faculty. Students and faculty of the university took an active part in the event, following the discussion with great interest and exchanging views on the topics presented.

During the lecture, particular attention was paid to the role of conflict of laws in international commercial law — why a cross-border deal raises the question of which court and which law apply — as well as to jurisdiction, namely when a court may hear a dispute between parties from different countries and how forum and arbitration clauses affect this. The speaker also examined the difference between traditional fixed rules and the flexible, modern approaches used by American courts, the principle of choice of law and the extent to which the parties' choice of governing law is respected, as well as the public-policy limits that may override an agreed law. Separate attention was devoted to renvoi — whether a reference to foreign law includes that country's own conflict-of-laws rules — and to the recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments and arbitral awards in the United States.

This guest lecture resonates with the ideas of Sustainable Development Goal 4 — “Quality Education” — by expanding students' access to international legal expertise and knowledge of comparative and commercial law, as well as Goal 16 — “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” in particular target 16.3, aimed at promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice, including through effective dispute-resolution mechanisms such as arbitration. The event also reflects Goal 17 — “Partnerships for the Goals,” especially target 17.6, concerning the strengthening of international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experience between institutions.

Such guest lectures play an important role in broadening students' understanding of international commercial law and strengthening academic ties between UWED and the international legal community. Undoubtedly, such events contribute to raising the legal awareness of future specialists and strengthening the integration of theory and international practice.