About
Gonzalo Flores
Gonzalo Flores is an independent arbitrator and recognized authority in international investment law and investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS), based in Washington, D.C. A Chilean national with extensive experience across civil law and common law jurisdictions, Gonzalo holds law degrees from the University of Chile and Cornell University Law School.
From 2016 to 2025, Gonzalo served as Deputy Secretary-General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the world’s leading institution devoted to the resolution of international investment disputes. Elected by ICSID member States for two consecutive six-year terms, he frequently acted as Secretary-General.
Gonzalo joined ICSID in 1998. Through his tenure, he supervised hundreds of international investment arbitrations and conciliation proceedings conducted under the ICSID Convention, the ICSID Additional Facility Rules and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. His experience encompasses landmark cases that shaped international investment law and spans disputes arising under investment laws, international treaties and contracts, across a wide range of economic sectors.
As Deputy Secretary-General, Gonzalo led the Centre’s operational management, overseeing a Secretariat of more than 75 professionals, while helping define ICSID’s strategic direction. He spearheaded major institutional initiatives, most notably the 2022 revision of the ICSID Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators in International Investment Disputes, developed jointly with UNCITRAL.
Gonzalo is a frequent speaker at conferences on international investment law and procedure worldwide. He has lectured at leading universities across the Americas, Asia and Europe, and contributed to training programs for government officials and private sector practitioners around the globe.
He is fluent in English and Spanish, with working knowledge of French.
Education
LL.M. — Cornell University (1998)
LL.B. — University of Chile (1995)
Bar Admission
Chilean Bar (1995)
Languages
Spanish • English • French • Portuguese • Italian
Recognition
Who’s Who Legal — Thought Leader in International Arbitration 2013–2025
