Jaipur, July 31 (IANS) Jaipur is set to emerge as the global capital of judicial dialogue as representatives from 52 Commonwealth nations gather for the three-day Commonwealth Peace Mediation and Rule of Law Conference (CPMC-2026), from Friday.
The summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of the ‘Jaipur Peace Mediation Declaration 2026’, a landmark document that aims to introduce a new global framework for peace-based justice and mediation.
The conference, being held from July 31 to August 2, brings together judges, Attorneys General, senior advocates, mediators, legal experts, academicians and policymakers from across the Commonwealth to discuss how justice systems can become faster, more accessible and more humane through mediation and the rule of law.
The event marks a significant milestone for India, as it is the first time the country is leading the Commonwealth’s global conversation on peace mediation, positioning itself at the forefront of judicial diplomacy and alternative dispute resolution.
“The conference’s most significant moment will arrive on August 2, when representatives from various Commonwealth nations formally adopt the “Jaipur Peace Mediation Declaration 2026”.
The declaration aims to establish shared principles for peace mediation, conflict resolution, the rule of law, and swift, effective access to justice across Commonwealth nations.
It is anticipated that this document will serve as a vital reference point for future international judicial cooperation and mediation efforts, said officials speaking to IANS.
This conference is not merely an international event; it is a historic opportunity for India to showcase its judicial philosophy, mediation model, and “judicial diplomacy” on the global stage.
The conference’s standout feature is that it will not merely discuss mediation—the resolution of disputes—but will foster a global dialogue on the concept of “Peace Mediation”.
This approach aims to go beyond simply ending litigation; it seeks to resolve long-standing bitterness, mistrust, and conflict between parties to establish lasting peace.
Experts believe that if this model is adopted widely within the justice system, many disputes that languish in courts for years could be resolved in a relatively short time, making the justice system more humane and effective.
The conference will be formally inaugurated at 6 p.m. on Friday at The Lalit Hotel in Jaipur, by Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The inaugural session will also be attended by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani, Commonwealth Lawyers Association President Steven Thiru, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh, along with leading members of the judiciary and legal fraternity from India and abroad.
The conference has been jointly organised by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA), the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and Nivaaran.
Unlike traditional discussions on dispute resolution, the conference will focus on the broader concept of “Peace Mediation”—an approach that seeks not only to settle legal disputes but also to heal fractured relationships, reduce hostility and build lasting peace between parties.
Over the next three days, delegates will deliberate on eight major themes, including environmental justice, family mediation, restorative criminal justice, commercial disputes, workplace conflicts, infrastructure and public project disputes, community justice, and the role of peace mediation in promoting global peace.
The discussions will also examine how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can improve access to justice while ensuring transparency and efficiency in legal systems.
The highlight of the conference will come on August 2, when delegates from the participating Commonwealth nations are expected to adopt the ‘Jaipur Peace Mediation Declaration 2026’.
The declaration is expected to lay down common principles on mediation, conflict resolution, the rule of law and timely access to justice.
It is likely to serve as a reference framework for future judicial cooperation and mediation initiatives across Commonwealth countries.
Jaipur’s selection as the host city reflects Rajasthan’s growing reputation in the field of mediation.
Over the past few years, the state has successfully facilitated the settlement of thousands of disputes through mediation mechanisms, making it a model for alternative dispute resolution.
If the recommendations emerging from the conference and the Jaipur Peace Mediation Declaration are implemented across member nations, legal experts believe the initiative could redefine how justice systems address disputes—shifting the focus from prolonged litigation to dialogue, reconciliation and sustainable peace.
–IANS
arc/khz
About the Author
