This issue of the Bulletin sees the light of day against the backdrop of dramatic events upsetting world peace and stability. Since 1923, ICC's private dispute resolution mechanisms have relentlessly sought to advance both. From construction law (see Nael Bunni's and Humphrey Lloyd's report) to the development of substantive rules specially adapted to international business transactions (see the extracts from awards relating to the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts and Fabrizio Marrella's commentary), or recent news on arbitration in Latin America's leading economy (see Arnoldo Wald's article on Brazil), the present issue of the Bulletin illustrates ICC arbitration's major role in opening new ways for the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as its alertness to existing or incipient realities in this field. The recently launched ICC ADR Rules mentioned in the chapter devoted to ICC arbitration news will undoubtedly enhance ICC's already significant efforts in the area of private dispute resolution. I leave ICC with the firm conviction that ICC dispute resolution, no matter how troubled the course of human affairs might be, will continue to contribute substantially to the ideals of world peace and justice that inspired its creation.

September 2001

Horacio A. Grigera Naón

Secretary General

ICC International Court of Arbitration