Latvian Republic Nomination: Jānis Ešenvalds Included in the ICSID Panel of Conciliators

May 22, 2026 News

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), part of the World Bank Group and the world’s leading global institution in investment dispute resolution, has been notified of the nomination by the Government of the Republic of Latvia, pursuant to which Jānis Ešenvalds, Managing Partner and Attorney-at-Law at WIDEN, has been appointed to the ICSID Panel of Conciliators.

The nomination of Jānis Ešenvalds for membership in the Panel was made by the Republic of Latvia in accordance with the 1965 Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. The Secretary-General of ICSID, Martina Polasek, has formally confirmed the nomination submitted by the Republic of Latvia, noting that the term of office of Jānis Ešenvalds will commence on 8 May 2026 and will run for six years — until 8 May 2032.

The ICSID Panel of Conciliators brings together internationally recognized legal experts selected to participate in the resolution of investment disputes between states and foreign investors. Such an appointment represents significant professional recognition and reflects a high level of expertise in international law, commercial law, and dispute resolution.

Jānis Ešenvalds has more than twenty years of professional experience in the resolution of complex disputes, commercial law, financial law, and insolvency proceedings. He has represented clients before all levels of the Latvian court system, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the European Court of Human Rights, and has also participated in international arbitration proceedings and cross-border disputes. His professional achievements have been repeatedly recognized in international legal directories, including The Legal 500 and Benchmark Litigation.

Membership on the ICSID Panel of Conciliators provides an opportunity to contribute to the resolution of international investment disputes and to foster balanced and professional dialogue between investors and states. At the same time, this appointment further strengthens the international recognition of Latvian legal expertise and demonstrates the ability of Latvian legal professionals to operate within top-tier international institutions.

For the WIDEN team, this is important achievement  and an honour that reflects the firm’s professional excellence, international experience, and ability to provide legal assistance in complex cross-border matters. We are confident that Jānis Ešenvalds’ work within ICSID will make a valuable contribution both to international investment dispute resolution practice and to the continued development of Latvia’s legal sector.