The NAI organisation and governance
The Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) is a foundation established under Dutch law. The NAI organisation consists of the following bodies:
- The NAI Case Management Committee and the NAI Secretariat administer the procedures initiated under the various NAI Rules. The NAI Case Management Committee has an important role under the Rules, for example in the appointment of arbitrators and in the quality control of arbitral awards under the NAI Arbitration Rules.
- The NAI Executive Board consists of five to seven members from the academic, business, and legal worlds. The board is charged with managing the foundation, in particular determining its strategy and policy, and is at the head of the NAI organisation. The board has no insight into or influence on the outcome of individual cases.
- The Advisory Board consists of a maximum of 25 members. The Advisory Board provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the Board. The Advisory Board also has no insight into or influence on the outcome of individual cases.
- The Director (also Secretary General) is responsible for the NAI’s day-to-day management. The director manages the NAI Case Management Committee and the NAI Secretariat and reports to the board.
- The NAI also has an independent Challenge Committee, consisting of judges and lawyers, which decides on requests for challenge. The Challenge Committee and its members are not involved in the case in which the challenge takes place.
- Finally, there is NAI Jong Oranje / NAI40 for anyone under 40 who is interested in arbitration and would like to get together to discuss various current and practical topics (join via LinkedIn). The NAI Jong Oranje committee organises the events.
The NAI Case Management Committee and the NAI Secretariat
The Executive Board
The Advisory Board
The Challenge Committee
NAI Jong Oranje | NAI40
History of the NAI
Since its establishment in 1949, the NAI has promoted arbitration, binding advice and mediation in the Netherlands. In particular, the NAI facilitates arbitration, mediation, and binding advice procedures, contributing to their efficient conduct and quality. The NAI has demonstrated its ability to move with the times and respond to its users’ needs. The NAI was founded on 22 June 1949 by Prof. R.P. Cleveringa and Prof. P. Sanders, among others, and has a rich history. The reflections of Prof. P. Sanders on the NAI’s early years (1949–1984) and the contribution of the former president of the board, Mr. Sillevis Smit, can be read on the history page. Read more about the history of the NAI.
