PAW Kick-Off and Keynote Speech

Presentation

We are delighted to kick off the 10th edition of Paris Arbitration Week with the Opening Session of #PAW2026 – a special celebration of diversity and a look back at a decade of PAW’s journey.

Since its first edition, PAW has grown from a bold idea into a global meeting point for arbitration practitioners from every region and background. This Opening Session will offer a moment to reflect on what has been achieved over the past ten years while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next decade. 

Guided by leading practitioners, institutional representatives, and thought leaders, the session will explore how diversity has shaped and continues to shape our community, our cases, and our institutions.

* Representative of Ministry of Justice of France to be confirmed – Ministère de la Justice
* Eleonore Caroit – Delegate Minister attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Francophony, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad
* Louis Degos – Partner in International Arbitration & Litigation, K&L Gates; President, Paris Bar Association

Hosts:
* Diamana Diawara – Co-President, PAW; Partner, Talex International
* Catherine Schroeder – Co-President, PAW; Founding Partner, Schroeder Arbitration

Moderator:
* Yasmin Mohammad – PAW Alumni; Director, Fortress Investment Group

Speakers:
* Nania Owusu-Ankomah – Partner, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah; Associate Member, 3 Verulam Buildings
* Coralie Lolliot – Africa Development Head, Sciences Po Paris

Opening Speeches

Gérald Darmanin
Minister of Justice of France

Éléonore Caroit
Delegate Minister
Attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Francophony,
International Partnerships, and French Nationals Aboard.

Louis Degos
Partner in International Arbitration & Litigation, K&L Gates
President, Paris Bar Association