On March 31, 2025, the UBA International Law Committee organized an online meeting that brought together business representatives and lawyers for an informal discussion on important aspects of negotiations in the international context. The event became an excellent platform for sharing experiences, establishing professional contacts and discussing topical issues in the field of international law.

The speakers at the event were:

- Olga Kuchmienko, Chairman of the UBA International Law Committee, attorney at law, PhD, who opened the event by sharing her vision of the importance of effective negotiations in business and legal practice.

- Viktoriia Ivasechko, Member of the Board of the UBA International Law Committee, Counsel at Redcliffe Partners, who presented the key challenges and opportunities faced by lawyers in international negotiations.

A number of important issues were raised during the discussion, including:

• The latest trends and best practices in negotiations - participants received information on current approaches and strategies for negotiating internationally, particularly in a rapidly changing global environment.
• “Homework” and risk management - the importance of preparing for negotiations, assessing legal and business risks and developing a strategy to minimize them.
• Overcoming difficulties and breaking deadlocks - participants discussed techniques and approaches to resolving conflicts and overcoming difficulties that arise during the negotiation process.
•  Overcoming cultural, industry-specific, ideological, and other differences – the emphasis was placed on the importance of considering cultural and social characteristics during negotiations.
  Psychological tactics and ethical considerations – the discussion focused on how psychological factors can influence decision-making in negotiations and how to maintain ethical standards during the negotiation process.
  The impact of war, sanctions, and trade restrictions on negotiation strategies – particular attention was given to geopolitical challenges, including the consequences of war and sanctions on international agreements and negotiation strategies.
  The role of lawyers in negotiations – the importance of involving legal professionals in the negotiation process was emphasized to effectively manage legal risks and ensure the legal security of agreements.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for professionals and practitioners to share experiences, discuss current issues, and develop new ideas for improving negotiation strategies. Notably, the discussion took place in a “virtual coffee” format, which created an informal and friendly atmosphere for open and constructive dialogue.

The UBA Committee on International Law extends its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and interest in the topics discussed at the event. These joint efforts contribute to building a strong platform for the development of international law and the success of international agreements.