The **Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)** is an intergovernmental organization established in 1899 at the first Hague Peace Conference to facilitate the peaceful resolution of international disputes through arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms[2][5][7]. Unlike a traditional court, the PCA does not have a permanent bench of judges; instead, it provides administrative support and a roster of arbitrators to form ad hoc tribunals tailored to the parties involved, which can include states, state entities, international organizations, and private parties[2][3]. The PCA is headquartered in the iconic Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, with additional offices worldwide to enhance accessibility[5]. It operates under modern procedural rules inspired by UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, administering arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding, and expert determinations across diverse legal issues such as territorial and maritime boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, international investment, and trade[1][2][4]. Its Secretariat, the International Bureau, offers comprehensive registry services, legal, logistical, and linguistic support to tribunals, ensuring efficient case management and secure document custody[1][4]. Historically, the PCA was a primary forum for inter-state dispute resolution in its early decades but became less active in the 20th century as states favored other judicial bodies. It experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, notably in investor-state arbitration[2]. The PCA’s innovative approach includes flexible mandates tailored to user needs, supporting complex and sizable cases, and providing hearing facilities globally free of charge in administered cases[4]. Notable achievements include pioneering international dispute resolution mechanisms and continuously evolving its rules to fill gaps in the global legal framework[1][5]. The PCA also supports developing countries through a Financial Assistance Fund to help cover arbitration costs[5]. With 126 Contracting Parties, the PCA remains a vital institution at the intersection of public and private international law, adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of international dispute resolution[2][5].