Ema POTOčNIK

Ema Potočnik initially joined VIAC as a legal counsel where she was responsible for the administration of commercial arbitration and mediation cases. She later transitioned into the role of VIAC CAN Director. She runs this initiative alongside Niamh Leinwather, Secretary General of VIAC and Vladyslava Donchyk, VIAC CAN Coordinator, which has grown from strength to strength since its’ launch in 2023. It now boasts over 39 Ambassadors in 31 countries. Ema also co-created VIAC’s ADR Wellbeing Toolbox with ArbBalance and R.E.A.L., which was also launched in 2023.

Originally from Slovenia, her work has always had a strong CEE/SEE focus. She previously worked in diplomacy at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Vienna, at the Energy Community Secretariat within the Dispute Resolution and Negotiation Centre and served as the IBA – VIAC CDRC Mediation & Negotiation Competition Deputy Director.

Ema holds a law degree from the University of Ljubljana and is a certified mediator, actively supporting ADR and dialogue facilitation.