Global Momentum Builds Behind the Singapore Convention on Mediation

The international legal landscape continues to evolve in favour of more collaborative dispute resolution mechanisms. 

In August 2025, Brazil officially ratified the Singapore Convention on Mediation, becoming the 19th State Party to the treaty. The Convention will enter into force for Brazil on 6 February 2026, further strengthening the global framework for the enforcement of cross-border mediated settlement agreements. Brazil’s ratification represents a meaningful commitment by one of the world’s largest economies to embrace mediation as an important, enforceable tool for resolving international commercial disputes. It also signals growing confidence in the Convention’s ability to provide legal certainty and reduce the friction often associated with cross-border enforcement.

There have also been some recent indications that the UK is considering ratifying the Convention, with the Government currently consulting stakeholders. 

These developments come on the heels of “Singapore Convention Week 2025”, at which global thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners gathered in Singapore to explore developments in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

So what is the Singapore Convention, and why does it matter?

Formally known as the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, the Convention provides a uniform legal framework for the enforcement of mediated settlement agreements across borders. Much like the New York Convention for arbitral awards, it enables parties to enforce mediated agreements directly in signatory states, without needing to re-litigate the underlying issues.

Origins and Purpose

The Convention was developed under the auspices of UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law) and adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2018. It was opened for signature on 7 August 2019 in Singapore and entered into force on 12 September 2020, following ratification by Singapore, Fiji, and Qatar.

Its purpose is to facilitate international trade and commerce by making mediated settlements enforceable across jurisdictions - encouraging businesses to choose mediation as a faster, more cost-effective, and collaborative alternative to litigation and arbitration.

Who Has Signed It?

As of 24 September 2025, 59 countries have signed the Singapore Convention and 19 have ratified it. These include Qatar, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. You can find the full and most up-to-date list on the Singapore Convention official website. 

A Growing Global Commitment to Mediation

The Convention sits within the increasing trend towards the use of mediation as an effective tool for dispute resolution, and one which is increasingly embraced not just as an alternative to litigation and arbitration, but as a mainstream mechanism for cross-border dispute resolution.

This growing momentum reflects a broader shift in how businesses and governments approach conflict: favouring collaborative, cost-effective, and time-efficient solutions that offer the opportunity to preserve commercial relationships. The Convention’s uniform framework for enforcement gives parties greater confidence that mediated settlement agreements will be respected across borders, removing one of the key barriers to choosing mediation in international contexts.

The UK’s Position

The UK signed the Singapore Convention in May 2023, signalling its support for the Convention’s objectives. Prior to this, the Ministry of Justice ran a public consultation in 2022 on increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system, which included consideration of the Convention’s potential impact.

More recently, in response to a written parliamentary question (HL10133) on 2 September 2025, the Government confirmed that it is currently consulting with stakeholders in the legal and mediation sectors on how best to implement the Convention domestically. The Government reiterated its commitment to ratifying the Convention once the necessary domestic measures are in place (UK Parliament, HL10133).

This suggests that the UK may soon join the growing list of countries that have ratified the Convention, further aligning its dispute resolution framework with international practices.

For Businesses: A Strategic Opportunity

For businesses operating across jurisdictions, this presents a timely opportunity to reassess their dispute resolution strategies and consider how mediation can be integrated more effectively into their commercial toolkit.

How Burges Salmon Can Help

At Burges Salmon, we understand the complexities of cross-border commercial disputes. Our international dispute resolution team is experienced in navigating cross-border litigation and enforcement issues, and we regularly advise on the strategic use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation. To learn how we can support your business in resolving international disputes efficiently and effectively, contact Caroline Brown, Elizabeth Pouget, or your usual Burges Salmon contact.