International Bureau

The PCA’s Secretariat – the International Bureau – consists of an experienced team of legal and administrative staff of various nationalities. It is headed by its Secretary-General. The bureau provides administrative support to tribunals and commissions, serving as the official channel of communications and ensuring safe custody of documents. The International Bureau provides services such as financial administration, logistical and technical support for meetings and hearings, travel arrangements, and general secretarial and linguistic support. It also provides administrative support to tribunals or commissions conducting PCA dispute settlement proceedings outside The Netherlands.

The International Bureau is available to provide information and advice to parties contemplating dispute resolution, including states and nationals of states that are not parties to the Conventions.

The Rules Concerning the Organization and Internal Working of the International Bureau of the Permanent Court of Arbitration can be downloaded from the Documents and Resources section.

The PCA opened its office in Mauritius in September 2010 pursuant to the PCA-Mauritius host country agreement.

The PCA opened its office in Singapore in January 2018 pursuant to the PCA-Singapore host country agreement signed on 25 July 2017.

The PCA opened its office in Buenos Aires  in October 2019 pursuant to the PCA-Argentina host country agreement concluded in 2009.