Our co-founder, Linda Heng spent an incredible week in Vienna at the CDRC Vienna – The IBA-VIAC Mediation & Negotiation Competition. It was an honor to assess four rounds of sophisticated mediations on a complex commercial dispute, skillfully handled by law students from around the world. Their talent and dedication were truly inspiring.

She was particularly thrilled that three out of the four universities selected for the finals (two negotiating teams and two mediators) were ones she had the pleasure of assessing during the preliminary and quarter-final rounds—Charles University, National Law School of India University, Bangalore, and OP Jindal University.

Singapore also had a strong presence, with both Singapore Management University and the National University of Singapore taking home multiple awards. It was especially exciting to see Singapore Management University’s mediator secure second place! A huge shoutout to coaches like Eng Wah Yong, who not only trained these teams with great care and precision but also supported and motivated them through every intense and nerve-wracking round.

Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event was reconnecting with old friends and forming new relationships. Peacemaking work attracts some of the most warm-hearted and passionate individuals from all over the world, and she is grateful to be among them this year.

This week in Vienna was a reminder of the importance of nurturing the next generation of mediators and negotiators and the lasting connections formed through this work.