Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference (CPMC) 2026, Jaipur
The *Commonwealth Peace Mediation Conference (CPMC) 2026*, held from *31 July to 2 August 2026* at The Lalit, Jaipur, was a landmark moment in the journey of mediation and strengthening the rule of law across the Commonwealth. It was an extraordinary gathering of judges, advocates, mediators, legal practitioners and institutional leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Through a series of insightful sessions, the evolving role of mediation in promoting access to justice, institutional resilience, and sustainable peace was explored. *Mr. A. J. Jawad, CEO & Registrar, IAMC Hyderabad* was invited as a panel speaker in the session *”From Retribution to Restoration: Reimagining Justice through Mediation in Criminal Law,”* chaired by Hon’ble Justice Abha Nayar Patel, Judge, Supreme Court of Zambia, where he explored the need for the restorative approach to crime based on the recent discoveries in neuroscience particularly the neuroplasticity of the brain that proves the theory of “nature versus nurture”. He emphasised the role that mediation can play in not only giving closure for the victim but also in awakening the sense of understanding, empathy and accountability in the mind of the offender. *Ms. Janaa Ganeshan, Associate, IAMC Hyderabad*, also represented IAMC at the conference.
Mr. Jawad had the opportunity to meet *Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India*, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikramnath, Chairman NALSA, *Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India*, senior members of the Indian judiciary, and judges and legal leaders from several Commonwealth jurisdictions.
A defining outcome of the conference was the adoption of the *Jaipur Declaration on Peace Mediation and the Rule of Law* by representatives from *56 Commonwealth countries*. The Declaration calls upon the legal and ADR fraternity to strengthen mediation ecosystems and promote dialogue as a cornerstone of justice.
CPMC 2026 reaffirmed the growing global commitment to mediation as an indispensable pillar of modern justice systems—one that advances dialogue, strengthens institutions, and contributes to a more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient society.
A book authored by Mr. Aruneshwar Gupta, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India, titled “An Autobiography – Death of my Mistress, The Law, Birth of My Love, Justice” was released on the occasion.
Congratulations to Mr. Santhaan Krishnan, Mr. Aruneshwar Gupta and the entire team of Nivaaran and the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association for organising this landmark event.
