Counsel, Linklaters
On 23 May 2024, CEPANI commemorated its 55th anniversary in grand style at The Merode in Brussels.
The event started with CEPANI’s annual general meeting, which was the occasion for Benoît Kohl (President) and Emma Van Campenhoudt (Director Secretary General) to present CEPANI’s accounts and budget for next year, the key activities of CEPANI and CEPANI40 over the last year (see the 2023 annual report, available here), and the 2023 statistics of CEPANI arbitrations (available here).
The general meeting was followed by several captivating keynote speeches before the walking dinner reception, beginning with Jean-Charles van den Branden's presentation of the activities of the Kick Cancer Foundation (learn more on the remarkable work of the organisation, supported by CEPANI, here). He illuminated the significant role of philanthropy in healthcare, specifically through the lens of pediatric cancer.
Next, Michael W. Bühler (founding partner, Bühler Arbitration) pondered the future of arbitration in his thought-provoking address titled "CEPANI joins Club 55. What is next? The End of Arbitrators?", discussing the impact of AI on arbitration.
Teresa Giovannini (founding partner, Lalive) then offered a deep dive into the legitimacy of the arbitration process, enriching the audience's understanding of this critical aspect.
The keynote addresses were rounded off by Koen Geens, on lessons learned from his distinguished career as the former Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament at the Federal House of Representatives.
The addresses were followed by the unveiling of CEPANI's new logo and website by Maxime Berlingin (partner, Fieldfisher) and by Charlotte Keup (Profirst). This reveal showcased cutting-edge features aimed at enhancing user engagement and functionality, marking a significant step forward in CEPANI’s digital presence. It was also the opportunity to highlight CEPANI’s key role as a one stop shop for alternative dispute resolution solutions.
The presentations ended with a surprise tribute to Emma Van Campenhoudt (by Benoît Kohl, Dirk De Meulemeester and Guy Keutgen (past presidents of CEPANI), and Camille Libert and Astrid Moreau (legal counsel at CEPANI)), to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Emma’s remarkable story with, and dedication to, CEPANI and its community.
The event was rounded up by a walking dinner until late in the night, during which the attendees enjoyed a delightful array of cuisines while celebrating CEPANI’s landmark 55th anniversary in a lively and congenial atmosphere with a live performance of a music band.
We look forward to celebrating CEPANI’s 60th anniversary in 2029!
