Cross-Border Mediation for International Disputes

Dealing with disagreements that cross borders can feel pretty overwhelming. Whether it’s a business deal gone sideways with a company overseas or a partnership dispute that involves people in different countries, the complexities can pile up fast. That’s where cross-border mediation steps in. It’s a way to sort things out without having to go through lengthy and expensive legal battles in foreign courts. Think of it as a neutral space where folks from different backgrounds can talk through their issues and find common ground. This approach is becoming more and more important as the world gets smaller and business interactions span across more continents.

Key Takeaways

Cross-border mediation is a process for resolving disputes between parties from different countries or legal systems.
It helps manage cultural and language differences, which are common in international disagreements.
Understanding the legal rules in different places is important, but mediation aims to find solutions outside of strict legal battles.
The process involves a neutral mediator guiding discussions, focusing on finding mutually agreeable solutions.
Benefits include saving time and money, preserving relationships, and creating flexible outcomes tailored to the specific situation.

Understanding Cross-Border Mediation

Defining International and Cross-Border Disputes

When we talk about international or cross-border disputes, we’re generally referring to disagreements where the parties involved are based in different countries. This could be anything from a contract disagreement between a company in the United States and one in Germany, to a partnership issue involving individuals from Canada and Mexico. The key thing is that more than one legal system or national jurisdiction is involved. These aren’t just simple disagreements; they often come with a whole extra layer of complexity because different laws, customs, and ways of doing business come into play. It’s this jurisdictional difference that really sets them apart from domestic disputes.

The Role of Cross-Border Mediation in Global Commerce

In today’s interconnected world, businesses operate across borders more than ever before. This naturally leads to more opportunities for disputes to arise. Think about supply chain issues, international sales agreements, or joint ventures between companies from different nations. When these disagreements happen, going to court in a foreign country can be incredibly expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. That’s where cross-border mediation steps in. It offers a way for parties from different countries to sit down, with the help of a neutral mediator, and try to sort things out themselves. It’s often a much more practical and relationship-friendly approach for global commerce.

Key Considerations in International Disputes

Dealing with disputes that cross national lines means you have to think about a few extra things. For starters, there are the obvious differences in laws and regulations between countries. What’s standard practice in one place might be unusual or even illegal in another. Then there are the cultural differences – how people communicate, their expectations in business, and their approach to conflict can vary wildly. Language barriers are another big one, of course. Finally, you have to consider the practicalities: how will any agreement actually be put into practice across different legal systems? These aren’t small details; they all need careful thought when trying to resolve an international disagreement.

Here’s a quick look at some common factors:

Legal Systems: Understanding that laws differ significantly from country to country.
Cultural Norms: Recognizing variations in communication styles, negotiation tactics, and business etiquette.
Language: The need for clear communication, potentially involving translation or interpretation.
Enforcement: How an agreed-upon solution will be recognized and upheld in different jurisdictions.

Navigating Cultural and Linguistic Differences

When people from different backgrounds try to sort out a disagreement, things can get tricky. It’s not just about what’s being said, but how it’s said, and what unspoken rules are at play. This is where understanding cultural and linguistic differences becomes really important in mediation.

Intercultural Mediation Strategies

Different cultures have different ways of talking about problems and solving them. What might seem direct and honest in one culture could come across as rude in another. Similarly, how people show emotion or even how they use silence can vary a lot. A good mediator knows this and tries to bridge these gaps. They might adjust their own style, encourage parties to explain their communication preferences, or simply create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of being misunderstood.

Active Listening: Paying close attention not just to words, but also to tone and body language.
Cultural Humility: Recognizing that you don’t know everything about another culture and being open to learning.
Patience: Allowing extra time for communication and understanding.
Clarification: Regularly checking to make sure everyone is on the same page.

It’s easy to assume everyone sees the world the same way you do. But when you’re dealing with people from different countries or backgrounds, that assumption can lead to big misunderstandings. Mediation needs to account for these differences to actually work.

Addressing Language Barriers with Multilingual Services

Language is obviously a huge part of communication. If parties can’t speak the same language fluently, it’s almost impossible to have a productive mediation. This is where having access to multilingual services makes a big difference. This could mean having a mediator who speaks multiple languages, or more commonly, bringing in professional interpreters. The key is to ensure that the translation is accurate and that the interpreter can convey not just the words, but also the nuances and emotions behind them. It’s not just about translating word-for-word; it’s about conveying meaning.

Developing Cultural Competence for Effective Mediation

Cultural competence isn’t just about knowing a few facts about different cultures. It’s a deeper skill that involves being aware of your own cultural biases and how they might affect your work. It means being curious about other cultures, respecting their values and norms, and adapting your approach accordingly. For mediators, this means ongoing learning and self-reflection. It’s about being flexible and willing to adjust your methods to fit the specific cultural context of the dispute. This adaptability is what allows mediation to be truly effective across borders.

Legal Frameworks and Jurisdictional Challenges

When disputes cross borders, things can get complicated pretty quickly. You’re not just dealing with different people; you’re dealing with different rules, laws, and ways of doing things. It’s like trying to play a game where everyone has a slightly different rulebook.

Understanding Varying Legal Systems

Every country has its own set of laws, and they can be wildly different. Some legal systems are based on common law, like in the US or UK, where past court decisions play a big role. Others are civil law systems, common in Europe and Latin America, which rely more heavily on written codes. Then there are religious or customary law systems. When you’re trying to resolve a dispute between parties from these different backgrounds, figuring out which laws apply and how they interact is a major hurdle. It’s not just about knowing the law; it’s about understanding how that law is applied in practice.

Cross-Border Legal Considerations in Mediation

Mediation itself is often seen as a flexible process, but the legal backdrop still matters. For instance, how do you handle evidence when it’s from another country? What about the enforceability of any agreement you reach? Some countries might have specific requirements for mediation to be recognized, or they might have different rules about what can be mediated. The key is to be aware of these differences from the start. It’s also important to consider things like:

Choice of Law: Which country’s laws will govern the dispute or the agreement?
Jurisdiction: Which country’s courts would have the authority to hear the case if mediation fails?
Public Policy: Are there any fundamental legal principles in one country that would prevent an agreement reached in mediation from being recognized?

Navigating these legal waters requires careful thought and often the input of legal counsel familiar with international law. It’s not about letting the law dictate the mediation, but about understanding its boundaries and implications.

Enforcement of International Agreements

Reaching a settlement in mediation is one thing, but making sure everyone sticks to it is another. When parties are in different countries, enforcing a mediated agreement can be tricky. There isn’t always a single, easy international treaty that covers all mediated settlements. Often, enforcement relies on:

Contract Law: Treating the settlement agreement as a contract that can be enforced in the relevant jurisdictions.
International Conventions: Such as the Singapore Convention on Mediation, which aims to make mediated settlement agreements more easily enforceable across borders, though its adoption varies.
Court Orders: Parties might agree to have their settlement agreement made into a court order in one or more jurisdictions, which then allows for standard enforcement mechanisms.

Without a clear path for enforcement, the value of the mediation can be undermined. It’s why discussing this aspect early on, perhaps with legal advisors present, is so important for international disputes.

The Process of Cross-Border Mediation

Initiating Cross-Border Mediation

Starting a cross-border mediation involves a few key steps to get things rolling. It usually kicks off when one party, or sometimes both, reaches out to a mediator or a mediation service. This initial contact is all about figuring out if mediation is the right path for the dispute and understanding the basics of what’s involved. The mediator will want to get a general idea of the conflict, who’s involved, and what everyone hopes to achieve. It’s also important at this stage to explain that mediation is voluntary and confidential. This first conversation sets the stage and helps build trust.

Stages of International Dispute Resolution

International mediation, like domestic mediation, follows a general structure, though it can be adjusted for specific cases. Here’s a typical flow:

Preparation and Agreement: Before anything else, parties usually sign an agreement to mediate. This document lays out the ground rules, confirms confidentiality, defines the mediator’s role, and covers practical stuff like fees and scheduling. It’s a crucial step to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Opening Session: The mediator starts by explaining the process again, emphasizing neutrality and confidentiality. Each party then gets a chance to share their perspective on the dispute without interruption. This is where everyone gets to hear directly from the other side.
Exploration: This is where the real work begins. The mediator helps parties dig deeper than just their stated positions to uncover their underlying interests and needs. This often involves joint sessions where parties discuss issues, but also private meetings, called caucuses, where the mediator can talk to each party separately. Caucuses are super useful for exploring sensitive topics or testing potential solutions.
Negotiation and Option Generation: Once interests are clearer, the focus shifts to finding solutions. Parties brainstorm various options, and the mediator helps them evaluate these possibilities realistically. This stage is all about creative problem-solving and finding common ground.
Agreement: If parties reach a resolution, the mediator helps them draft a settlement agreement. This document outlines the agreed-upon terms clearly and specifically. It’s important that this agreement is well-written and understood by everyone involved.

The entire process is designed to be flexible, allowing the mediator to adapt the stages based on the specific needs of the international dispute and the parties involved. The goal is always to facilitate a constructive dialogue that leads to a mutually acceptable outcome.

Confidentiality and Privilege in Global Mediation

Keeping things confidential is a big deal in mediation, especially when you’re dealing with international disputes. Most countries have laws or agreements that protect what’s said during mediation, meaning it generally can’t be used later in court. This protection is key because it encourages people to speak more openly, knowing their words won’t be held against them. However, these rules can differ quite a bit from one country to another. Some places have strong legal privilege for mediation discussions, while others might have more exceptions. It’s really important for parties and the mediator to understand the specific confidentiality rules that apply to their cross-border case. This usually gets sorted out in the initial mediation agreement, but it’s worth double-checking, especially when legal systems are involved.

Mediator Qualifications for International Cases

When you’re dealing with a dispute that crosses borders, finding the right mediator is super important. It’s not just about someone who knows how to talk things out; they need a specific set of skills and knowledge to handle the complexities of international disagreements. Think about it – you’ve got different laws, cultures, and maybe even languages all mixed into one situation. The mediator has to be able to juggle all of that.

Essential Skills for Cross-Border Mediators

Beyond the basics of good listening and communication, mediators working internationally need to be adaptable. They should be able to pick up on subtle cues that might be missed by someone less experienced. This includes understanding different communication styles – some cultures are very direct, while others are much more indirect. A mediator needs to be able to read between the lines and make sure everyone feels heard, even if they express themselves differently. They also need to be pretty good at managing their own reactions and staying calm, especially when emotions run high, which they often do in these kinds of disputes.

Active Listening: Truly hearing and understanding what each party is saying, both verbally and non-verbally.
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting differences in customs, values, and communication norms.
Adaptability: Adjusting their approach based on the specific cultural and legal context of the dispute.
Problem-Solving: Helping parties brainstorm creative solutions that might not be obvious.
Emotional Intelligence: Managing their own emotions and understanding the emotions of the parties involved.

The Importance of Neutrality and Impartiality

This is a big one, no matter where the dispute happens, but it’s especially tricky across borders. A mediator has to be completely neutral. They can’t take sides, even if one party seems more sympathetic or has a stronger legal argument. Their job is to help both parties find a solution, not to decide who is right or wrong. This impartiality builds trust, which is the foundation of any successful mediation. If parties don’t trust the mediator, they won’t open up, and the process will likely fail. It’s about creating a safe space where everyone feels they can speak freely without judgment.

Maintaining a neutral stance is paramount. It’s not about being indifferent to the parties’ struggles, but about ensuring a fair process where both sides have an equal opportunity to be heard and to negotiate effectively. This impartiality is what allows parties to feel secure enough to explore difficult issues and potential compromises.

Specialized Training for International Conflicts

Just having general mediation training isn’t always enough for international cases. Mediators often benefit from specific training that covers things like international law basics, cross-cultural communication, and even the practicalities of dealing with different legal systems. Understanding how contracts are viewed in different countries, or how intellectual property rights are protected elsewhere, can make a huge difference. It’s about having the right tools and knowledge to address the unique challenges that come up when parties are from different countries.

Area of Training	Relevance to International Mediation
International Law Fundamentals	Understanding legal frameworks and potential jurisdictional issues.
Cross-Cultural Communication	Bridging differences in communication styles and cultural norms.
Global Commerce Practices	Familiarity with international business norms and transaction types.
Language Proficiency (Optional)	Facilitating direct communication and understanding nuances.
Conflict Resolution Theory	Advanced techniques for managing complex, multi-party disputes.

Benefits of Cross-Border Mediation

Preserving International Business Relationships

When businesses operate across borders, relationships are often built on trust and mutual understanding. Litigation, with its adversarial nature, can quickly erode these connections, leaving parties unwilling to work together in the future. Cross-border mediation offers a different path. It’s a process designed to keep communication lines open, even when disagreements arise. By focusing on the underlying interests of each party rather than just their stated positions, mediators help parties find common ground. This collaborative approach is particularly important in international commerce, where ongoing partnerships, supply chains, and future ventures depend on maintaining good working relationships. Preserving these international business relationships is often a primary goal, and mediation is uniquely suited to achieve this.

Cost and Time Efficiencies in Global Disputes

International disputes can become incredibly complex and expensive. The costs associated with international litigation – think multiple legal teams, travel, translation services, and lengthy court proceedings across different jurisdictions – can quickly become overwhelming. Cross-border mediation provides a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative. The process is generally faster than traditional legal routes, meaning less time is spent in dispute and more time can be dedicated to business operations. This efficiency translates directly into significant savings, making it a more practical option for businesses of all sizes.

Here’s a quick look at the potential savings:

Aspect	Litigation Costs (Estimated)	Mediation Costs (Estimated)
Legal Fees	High	Moderate
Travel	High	Low/None
Translation	High	Moderate
Time	Very Long	Shorter
Administrative	High	Moderate

Achieving Flexible and Tailored Solutions

One of the most significant advantages of cross-border mediation is its flexibility. Unlike court judgments, which are often rigid and may not fully address the nuances of an international business conflict, mediated solutions can be customized to fit the specific needs of the parties involved. Mediators work with parties to explore a wide range of options, moving beyond purely legal remedies to find practical, business-oriented solutions. This might involve creative payment plans, revised contract terms, or new collaborative arrangements. The ability to craft bespoke agreements means that the resolution is more likely to be satisfactory to all parties and more sustainable in the long run.

Types of Disputes Addressed by Cross-Border Mediation

When businesses or individuals operate across national borders, the potential for disagreements naturally increases. These aren’t just simple misunderstandings; they often involve different laws, customs, and ways of doing business. Cross-border mediation is particularly well-suited to handle a wide array of these international conflicts.

International Commercial and Contract Disputes

This is probably the most common area where cross-border mediation shines. Think about contracts between a manufacturer in one country and a distributor in another. What happens when there’s a disagreement about delivery times, product quality, or payment terms? These disputes can get complicated quickly because each party might point to their own country’s laws or standard practices. Mediation allows both sides to sit down, with a neutral third party, and figure out a practical solution that works for their ongoing business relationship, rather than getting bogged down in lengthy legal battles.

Disagreements over contract performance
Issues with payment schedules or currency
Questions about the scope of work or services
Differing interpretations of contract clauses

The beauty of mediation here is its flexibility. Parties aren’t limited to remedies a court might offer; they can create custom solutions that address the specific commercial realities of their international venture.

Intellectual Property Conflicts Across Borders

Protecting intellectual property (IP) like patents, trademarks, and copyrights is a global challenge. When IP is used, licensed, or potentially infringed upon across borders, disputes can arise. For instance, a company might believe its patented technology is being used without permission by a foreign competitor, or a software developer might have issues with a licensee in another country. Mediation can be a discreet way to resolve these sensitive matters, preserving valuable business relationships and avoiding public disclosure of proprietary information.

Patent disputes
Copyright infringement claims
Trademark disagreements
Licensing agreement conflicts

Cross-Jurisdictional Partnership and Shareholder Issues

When businesses are formed by partners or shareholders from different countries, disagreements about management, profit sharing, strategic direction, or even exit strategies are bound to happen. These disputes can be particularly tricky because partners might have different cultural expectations about how a business should be run. Cross-border mediation provides a structured yet informal setting to address these internal conflicts, helping to maintain the partnership’s stability and future.

Disputes over management control
Conflicts regarding profit distribution
Disagreements on business strategy
Issues related to shareholder rights and responsibilities

Cross-border mediation is a versatile tool that can address a wide spectrum of international disagreements, from straightforward contract issues to complex partnership dynamics, all while aiming to preserve relationships and find practical, mutually agreeable outcomes.

Technology’s Role in Global Mediation

Technology has really changed how we handle disputes, especially when people or companies are in different countries. It’s not just about making things easier; it’s about making them possible in ways we couldn’t imagine before.

Online Platforms for International Mediation

These days, there are special online platforms designed for mediation. They’re built to handle the complexities of international cases. Think of them as secure digital rooms where parties from, say, Germany and Brazil can meet without ever leaving their offices. These platforms often include features like:

Secure document sharing: Uploading and exchanging sensitive files safely.
Virtual meeting spaces: Integrated video conferencing that feels more professional than a general-purpose app.
Case management tools: Keeping track of deadlines, communications, and agreements.

The goal is to create a controlled environment that mimics an in-person mediation as closely as possible, while adding the benefits of digital access. It’s a big step up from just emailing documents back and forth.

Virtual Sessions for Remote Parties

Video conferencing has become a standard tool. For international disputes, this means you don’t have to worry about expensive flights or long travel times. Parties can join from wherever they are, which can significantly cut down on costs and make scheduling much simpler. It allows for real-time interaction, where you can see and hear the other person, which is important for building understanding. However, mediators need to be good at reading virtual cues and managing the flow of conversation to keep everyone engaged.

Ensuring Accessibility in Digital Cross-Border Mediation

Making sure everyone can participate is key. Technology helps with this in a few ways. For language barriers, platforms can integrate with professional translation services or allow for interpreters to join the virtual session. This means that even if parties don’t speak the same language, they can still communicate effectively. Also, for people with disabilities, virtual sessions can sometimes be more accessible than physical locations, provided the technology itself is designed with accessibility in mind.

While technology offers incredible advantages for global mediation, it’s not a magic bullet. Mediators must be trained to use these tools effectively, understand their limitations, and always prioritize security and confidentiality. The human element of mediation – empathy, active listening, and skillful facilitation – remains paramount, even when conducted through a screen.

Ethical Considerations in International Mediation

When disputes cross borders, the ethical landscape gets a bit more complicated. It’s not just about being fair; it’s about understanding that ‘fair’ can look different depending on where people come from.

Upholding Ethical Standards in Cross-Border Practice

At its core, mediation relies on trust. In international settings, this means mediators must be extra careful to stick to the rules everyone expects, like keeping things private and being totally neutral. This isn’t always straightforward when dealing with different legal ideas about what’s confidential or what a mediator can and can’t do. Professional groups have guidelines, and following them helps make sure the process is seen as legitimate, no matter the nationality of the parties involved.

Clarity on Confidentiality: While mediation is generally private, the exact rules can differ. Mediators need to explain these limits clearly upfront.
Competence: Mediators should only take cases they’re qualified to handle, especially when complex international laws or customs are involved.
Transparency in Fees: How much the mediator charges should be clear from the start, with no hidden costs.

Managing Power Imbalances in International Settings

Sometimes, one party in a dispute has a lot more influence, money, or information than the other. This is true everywhere, but in international cases, these differences can be even more pronounced due to varying economic statuses or legal knowledge. A good mediator works to level the playing field.

Process Design: Structuring the mediation sessions so everyone gets a fair chance to speak and be heard.
Support Resources: Suggesting parties seek independent advice if one side seems outmatched.
Equal Opportunity: Making sure communication is balanced and no one feels intimidated.

It’s easy to overlook how much power dynamics can affect a negotiation. When parties come from different backgrounds, what seems like a minor difference in status or knowledge can become a significant hurdle to a fair resolution. Mediators must be keenly aware of these disparities and actively work to create an environment where all voices can be heard and considered equally.

Informed Consent and Self-Determination Across Cultures

The idea that parties get to decide the outcome for themselves is central to mediation. This is called self-determination. In cross-border mediation, ensuring genuine informed consent means making sure everyone truly understands the process, their rights, and what they’re agreeing to, even if they speak different languages or have different cultural views on decision-making. A mediator’s job is to facilitate this understanding, not to push for a particular result. It’s about empowering parties to make their own choices, freely and with full awareness.

Choosing the Right Cross-Border Mediation Service

So, you’ve got a dispute that stretches across borders, and you’re thinking mediation might be the way to go. That’s a smart move, but picking the right service is key. It’s not like picking a restaurant; you need to be a bit more thoughtful here. Think about what you really need from the process.

Assessing Dispute Complexity and Needs

First off, how complicated is this whole mess? Is it a straightforward disagreement over a contract clause, or is it a tangled web involving multiple parties, different legal systems, and maybe even some deep-seated cultural misunderstandings? The more complex things get, the more specialized the mediator and the service need to be. You’ll want to consider:

The nature of the conflict: Is it a commercial issue, an intellectual property disagreement, or something else entirely?
The number of parties involved: More people usually means more perspectives and potentially more challenges.
The stakes: How much is on the line, financially or relationally?
Your desired outcome: Are you looking for a quick fix, a long-term solution, or something in between?

Evaluating Mediator Expertise and Experience

This is where you really dig in. A mediator isn’t just a referee; they’re a facilitator who guides the conversation. For international disputes, this means they should ideally have:

Cross-cultural awareness: Understanding how different cultures approach conflict and communication is huge.
Language capabilities: While not always mandatory, having a mediator who speaks the relevant languages or has access to reliable translation can smooth things over considerably.
Experience with international law or practice: They don’t need to be lawyers in every jurisdiction, but a familiarity with how international business and legal frameworks operate is a big plus.
A proven track record: Look for mediators who have successfully handled cases similar to yours.

Don’t be afraid to ask potential mediators about their background, training, and specific experience with cross-border cases. Their answers will tell you a lot about whether they’re a good fit for your situation. It’s better to have this conversation upfront than to realize later that you’ve chosen someone who isn’t quite equipped for the job.

The Role of Mediation Consultation in International Cases

Before you commit, see if the mediation service offers an initial consultation. This is your chance to get a feel for them and for them to understand your situation. During this consultation, you can:

Discuss the specifics of your dispute.
Ask about their proposed approach and process.
Inquire about fees and scheduling.
Gauge the mediator’s communication style and how well you connect with them.

This step is particularly important in international cases because it allows you to address potential challenges like time zone differences, cultural nuances, and legal complexities early on. It helps set realistic expectations and ensures you’re both on the same page before diving into the mediation itself. Choosing the right service is about finding a partner who can effectively guide you toward a resolution, respecting the unique challenges of operating across borders.

Looking Ahead: The Growing Role of Cross-Border Mediation

So, we’ve talked a lot about how mediation can help sort out disagreements, especially when people or companies are from different countries. It’s not always easy, with different laws and ways of talking to think about, but it really can make a difference. When you get folks from different places in a room (or on a screen), with a neutral person guiding them, they can often find solutions that work for everyone. It saves time and money compared to court, and it helps keep relationships intact, which is pretty important in the long run. As the world gets smaller with more global business and connections, having these tools to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively is only going to become more and more necessary. It’s a smart way to handle things when you’re dealing with international issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is cross-border mediation?

Cross-border mediation is like a special meeting where people from different countries try to solve a problem together. A neutral person, the mediator, helps them talk and find a solution that works for everyone, instead of going to court in different countries.

Why is it important for businesses working internationally?

When businesses work across borders, they might have disagreements. Cross-border mediation helps them sort these out without the hassle and cost of international lawsuits. It’s good for keeping their business relationships friendly and working well.

What if the people involved speak different languages?

That’s a great question! Mediators who work internationally often use interpreters or are fluent in multiple languages. This makes sure everyone can understand each other clearly and share their thoughts without any confusion.

Are there special skills needed for a mediator in international cases?

Yes, absolutely! These mediators need to understand different cultures, how laws work in various countries, and how to communicate effectively across language barriers. They also need to be extra careful to stay fair and neutral for everyone involved.

How is cross-border mediation different from regular mediation?

The main difference is that the people in cross-border mediation are from different countries. This means there can be bigger differences in culture, language, and laws that the mediator needs to help manage. It’s like regular mediation, but on a bigger, global stage.

Can agreements made in cross-border mediation be enforced?

Often, yes! While mediation is usually about reaching a voluntary agreement, there are international rules and treaties that can help make these agreements official and enforceable in different countries. It’s best to check the specific rules for the countries involved.

What kinds of international problems can be solved with mediation?

Many kinds! It works well for disagreements about contracts between companies in different countries, issues with shared ideas like inventions or brands (intellectual property), or problems between business partners from various nations.

Does technology play a role in international mediation?

Definitely! Technology is a huge help. People can meet online through video calls to mediate, even if they are on opposite sides of the world. This makes it easier and cheaper to connect and resolve issues.