Principles

Mission and principles of AA40

I. General principles

  1. AA40 aims to promote the culture of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) among the below-40 generation, with a particular focus on Italy.
  2. AA40 is open to all interested professionals and students regardless of nationality who are less than 40 years old. 
  3. Membership in AA40 is free of charge.
  4. AA40 is based on principles of inclusiveness, openness, transparency, independence, and diversity.
  5. In line with the above principles, the Co-Chairs and the members of the Executive Committee will endeavor to promote the visibility of other AA40 members and other members of the arbitration community, including by refraining, where possible, from serving as panelists and/or moderators at AA40 events.
  6. AA40 was established under the auspices of Associazione italiana per l’arbitrato (AIA) and ArbIt – Italian Forum for Arbitration and ADR. AA40 membership does not prevent any interested individual from simultaneous membership in AIA and/or ArbIt, in accordance with the admission criteria of those associations. Once an AA40 member reaches the 40-year age limit, he/she is invited to join AIA and ArbIt.

II. Structure

  1. AA40 shall be led by 5 Co-Chairs who are assisted by an Executive Committee, composed of at least 6 members. 
  2. The Co-Chairs shall represent and provide the general direction of AA40. They shall be responsible for the relationship with AIA and ArbIt as well as with the below-40 associations worldwide.
  3. The Executive Committee shall assist the Co-Chairs in the day-to-day activities of AA40, including the organization of events, publications, and administrative issues.

III. Selection of the Co-Chairs and the Executive Committee

  1. The Co-Chairs and the members of the Executive Committee shall be appointed for a 3-year term. The mandate of the Co-Chairs and of the Executive Committee will expire in the same year.
  2. The Co-Chairs shall select the members of Executive Committee as soon as possible after their election, within the first quarter of their term.
  3. The Co-Chairs shall be selected through the following procedure:
    • Before the expiration of their term, the outgoing Co-Chairs shall publish an open call for candidatures;
    • Any current member of AA40, including current and former members of the Executive Committee and current and former coordinators of the International Chapters, may apply;
    • The outgoing Co-Chairs shall shortlist at least 8 candidates (or less, if less than 8 candidatures have been received), based on criteria of merit, competence, prior involvement in the activities of AA40, professional background, regional and gender diversity;
    • The new Co-Chairs shall be elected, among the shortlisted candidates, through a vote open to all individuals who are members of AA40;
    • Subject to the requirements specified in the next sentence, aimed at ensuring gender balance, continuity, and renewal, the 5 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected as Co-Chairs. The voting system shall ensure that there shall be (i) no more than 3 Co-Chairs of the same gender, (ii) at least 2 Co-Chairs based in Italy, (iii) at least 1 Co-Chair selected amongst the members of the outgoing Executive Committee, and (iv) at least 1 Co-Chair selected amongst non-members of the outgoing Executive Committee.
    • The outgoing Co-Chairs shall remain available for 6 months following the election of the new Co-Chairs to ensure continuity in the management of AA40.

First Published on this website on July 21, 2019, last modified on 25 November 2025.