Shenzhen, known as the vanguard city of China's reform and opening-up, has once again showcased its commitment to international arbitration and modernization. The city hosted the inaugural global commemoration event for the 60th anniversary of the New York Convention (the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards) on April 25, 2018, organized by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA).

Gao Zimin, Vice-Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, expressed the dedication of Shenzhen to strengthening collaboration with international organizations like UNCITRAL and enhancing the business environment. He reiterated Shenzhen's pledge to uphold the principles of reform and openness, innovation and global standards, aiming to become a leading hub for international arbitration. This initiative aligns with China's broader strategy of contributing to drafting international rules.

The New York Convention, signed in 1958 at the United Nations, has significantly facilitated global harmonization in legislation and practice regarding the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Since its adoption by China in 1987, the convention has seen widespread acceptance, with  172 signatory countries or regions. Shenzhen holds special significance in this context, as the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) pioneered the enforcement of arbitral awards abroad under the convention. Following the principles of the New York Convention, a milestone agreement was signed in Shenzhen in 1999 between the PRC Supreme People's Court and the Hong Kong SAR Government, facilitating mutual recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Many prominent figures attended the event, including Gao Zimin, Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government; Dr. Elsie Leung, Council Member of the SCIA, the First Secretary for Justice of the Department of Justice of Hong Kong SAR, former Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong SAR Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress; Rimsky Yuen, SC, Council Member of the SCIA, Former Secretary for Justice of the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR; Zhang Yongjian, President of the Civil Adjudication Tribunal No.4 of the SPC; Ye Jun, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Commerce; Prof. Shen Sibao, Chairman of the SCIA Council, Chairman of China International Economic and Trade Law Association; Dr. Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA, and other dignitaries from international organizations and representatives from France, Germany, Austria, United States, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines. During the event, Vice Mayor Gao Zimin presented Dr. Elsie Leung and Li Xueling, one of the founders of the SCIA, with commemorative plaques of International Arbitration Figures in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The discussions revolved around the historical significance and practical applications of the New York Convention, particularly in the context of Shenzhen's economic achievements and its role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Several thematic sessions were held during the commemoration, covering topics such as the  role of the New York Convention in international dispute resolution, its implications for the Belt and Road Initiative, and its relationship with international arbitration institutions. Experts emphasized the importance of unified standards for recognizing and enforcing foreign arbitral awards and advocated for the promotion of a multilateral spirit, particularly amid China's active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The commemoration not only served as a platform for reflecting on past achievements but also offered insights into the future trajectory of international arbitration. Attendees expressed optimism regarding Shenzhen's potential to leverage opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area development, emphasizing the city's commitment to innovation and excellence in international arbitration.

As China continues to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global norms and standards, events like commemoration of the New York Convention in Shenzhen underscore the country's proactive engagement in international rule formation, reflecting its aspirations to contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance challenges.

Dr. Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA, delivered a keynote speech.

During the seminar, Gao Zimin, Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government presented a commemorative plaque to Dr. Elsie Leung, Council Member of the SCIA, the First Secretary for Justice of the Department of Justice of Hong Kong SAR and former Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong SAR Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Shenzhen hosted the inaugural global commemoration event for the 60th anniversary of the New York Convention on April 25, 2018, organized jointly by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the SCIA.