Expanding Mediation Frontiers: SIMC’s First Specialist Mediators’ Workshop in Central Asia
From left to right: Trainers for the workshop, George Lim SC, Chairman of SIMC and Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC.
The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) successfully conducted its Specialist Mediators’ Workshop (SMW) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 1–2 April 2026, marking a significant milestone as SIMC’s first programme in Central Asia. This initiative reflects SIMC’s ongoing commitment to advancing international commercial mediation across emerging and strategically important jurisdictions. The workshop was delivered in collaboration with Tashkent State University of Law (TSUL) and supported by the Tashkent Mediation Centre / Uzbekistan Dispute Resolution Centre (TMC/UDRC). The programme was led by George Lim SC, Chairman of SIMC, and Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of SIMC, with support from Siddharth Jha, Counsel at SIMC. Together, the faculty brought extensive international experience and practical insights into the evolving landscape of cross-border dispute resolution.
Workshop session underway; George briefing the Uzbekistan participants on the programme outline.
Building Mediation Capacity in Uzbekistan
The workshop brought together 18 participants nominated by TSUL, comprising a distinguished cohort of legal practitioners, adjunct faculty, and professors. This mix of participants reflects a deliberate focus on strengthening both the practice and academic foundations of mediation in Uzbekistan. By engaging individuals who are actively involved in legal education and practice, the programme aims to create a multiplier effect—supporting not only immediate skills development but also the long-term integration of mediation into legal training and institutional frameworks.
Uzbekistan has, in recent years, demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) ecosystem. As part of broader legal and economic reforms, there is growing recognition of mediation as an essential tool for improving access to justice, reducing court backlogs, and fostering a more investor-friendly business environment.
The Strategic Role of Mediation in a Growing Economy
As Uzbekistan continues to expand its footprint in regional and international trade, the demand for efficient and commercially viable dispute resolution mechanisms is increasing. Mediation offers several distinct advantages in this context—it is time-efficient, cost-effective, confidential, and relationship-preserving, making it particularly well-suited for cross-border commercial disputes. For businesses operating across jurisdictions, mediation provides a flexible platform to resolve disputes while maintaining long-term partnerships—an increasingly important consideration in today’s interconnected global economy.
Trainer Wee Meng going through the materials with a smaller focus group.
Participants break into smaller groups for role-play exercises based on the workshop discussions.
Advancing Mediation Across Central Asia
Beyond Uzbekistan, the workshop also underscores a broader regional opportunity. Across Central Asia, legal systems are evolving alongside increasing economic integration, infrastructure development, and foreign investment. As these developments accelerate, there is a corresponding need to build a pool of internationally trained mediators who can effectively handle complex, multi-party, and cross-border disputes. Capacity-building initiatives such as the SMW play a critical role in supporting the institutionalisation of mediation in the region. By equipping practitioners and educators with advanced mediation skills and frameworks, such programmes contribute to the development of a sustainable and credible dispute resolution ecosystem.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
SIMC is encouraged by the strong institutional support and engagement demonstrated in Uzbekistan. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, TSUL, and TMC/UDRC to further advance mediation in the country. Future areas of collaboration may include capacity-building programmes, policy engagement, and the development of mediation frameworks aligned with international best practices.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Prof. Islambek Rustambekov from Tashkent State University of Law and Diyorbek Kimsanov from Tashkent Mediation Centre / Uzbekistan Dispute Resolution Centre for their invaluable support and efforts in making this collaboration possible.
This workshop marks an important first step in SIMC’s engagement with Central Asia. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to supporting the growth and integration of mediation in Uzbekistan and across the region.
Congratulations to our newest batch of Specialist Mediators from Uzbekistan!
Introducing our newest batch of Specialist Mediators!
- Akbar Zafar o‘g‘li TOJIBOYEV – Tashkent State Law University
- Anna Vladimirovna UBAYDULLAEVA-POLYN – Tashkent State Law University
- Asliddin Ataullo o‘g‘li HABIBULLAYEV – Tashkent State Law University
- Azamat Ergashevich ERGASHEV – Tashkent State Law University
- Diyorbek Mamurzhon o‘g‘li KIMSANOV – Tashkent Mediation Center
- Elmurod Payzullayevich AXUNDJANOV – Tashkent State Law University
- Fitrat Faxriddinovich UMIROV – Tashkent State Law University
- Hulkar Toshmanovna RAJABOVA – Tashkent State Law University
- Ibrohim Anvarovich SAIDOV – Tashkent State Law University
- Islambek Rustambekovich RUSTAMBEKOV – Tashkent State Law University
- Jaloliddin Tuychievich ASKAROV – Tashkent State Law University
- Madina Xusanovna TURSUNOVA – Association of Patent Attorneys of Uzbekistan
- Madinabonu Abdumalikovna YAKUBOVA – Tashkent State Law University
- Otabek Sa’diyevich NARZIYEV – Lawyers Association of Uzbekistan
- Sarvar Zafar o‘g‘li TOJIBOYEV – Tashkent State Law University
- Sayidkomil Bekpo‘lat o‘g‘li IBODULLAYEV – Tashkent State Law University
- Sevarkhon Aribjanovna MARIPOVA – Cyber University of Uzbekistan
- Shahzoda Rufat qizi TUYCHIYEVA – Tashkent State Law University
- Sherzod Abbozovich PULATOV – International Center for Law and Mediation “Soglasie”, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Vazgen GRIGORYAN – “Kosta Legal” Law firm
- Xudoberdi Raxmatjon o‘g‘li ERGASHEV – Tashkent State Law University
