The JAMS Foundation Hosts Diverse Group of International Fellows in Napa

San Francisco - The JAMS Foundation and the Weinstein Mediation Center in Napa, CA hosted a weekend gathering for the first generation of Weinstein International Fellows, honoring their individual accomplishments and their commitment to the development of ADR in their home countries and beyond. The Weinstein International Fellowship program was inaugurated in 2008 and is offered by the JAMS Foundation.

Named for JAMS neutral Judge Daniel Weinstein in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of ADR and his generosity in supporting the development of conflict resolution internationally, the Fellowship program provides opportunities for qualified individuals from around the globe to visit the U.S. to learn more about dispute resolution processes and practices, and to use this experience to advance the resolution of disputes in their home countries.

"The weekend event provided a unique opportunity for these diverse Fellows, who share a passion for conflict resolution, to meet one another as well as some of the most experienced ADR practitioners in the world," said Jay Folberg, Executive Director of the JAMS Foundation.  "We are very pleased to be able to support the Fellows in their efforts to increase the awareness and availability of ADR services in their own countries."

“The quality and commitment of these seven Fellows exceeded my high expectations,” said Judge Weinstein.  “I am convinced that they will each make a positive difference in the way disputes are resolved when they return home.”

The program included presentations by each Fellow on the current state of ADR in their home countries and their plans for the future.  The 2008-2010 Weinstein Fellows include: Badri Bhandari (Nepal), Ximena Bustamante (Ecuador), Tsisana Chamlikashvili (Russia), Ahmed El Feqy (Egypt), Mohan Lal Mehta (India), Orouba Qarain (Jordan) and Giulio Zanolla (Italy).

With ADR rapidly becoming an important tool for addressing conflict and resolving disputes worldwide, the event provided a rare opportunity for innovative ADR leaders from around the world to exchange ideas and to combine their efforts to bring about change through constructive engagement.