Last Friday, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region hosted the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). With 32 founding members and high-level delegations from over 50 countries and nearly 20 global organizations, the event marked the official birth of a new hub for peaceful dispute settlement.
“IOMed is an innovative step in international rule of law,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He called it “a milestone in global governance” that bridges cultures and puts dialogue ahead of confrontation.
Filling the Global Governance GapArticle 33 of the UN Charter reminds us that mediation should be the first recourse for resolving conflicts. Yet, until now there was no intergovernmental body dedicated to it. IOMed changes that—with a clear mandate to help states, investors and businesses settle disputes through neutral, non-coercive mediation.
“Existing systems often favor a few dominant powers,” says Xu Ying, an international affairs expert based in Beijing. “IOMed offers a fairer, more accessible alternative, especially for developing nations facing high costs and complexity.”
Harmony in ActionRooted in a philosophy of harmony, IOMed aims to replace zero-sum approaches with win-win solutions. Drafters emphasize flexibility, cost-efficiency and swift resolutions—ideal for today’s interconnected, fast-moving world.
Bridging East and WestHong Kong’s unique position—anchored to the Chinese mainland yet open to global markets—made it the logical host for IOMed’s headquarters. With a robust common law system, multilingual legal experts and a stable rating outlook from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, the city is poised to lead global mediation efforts.
As IOMed opens its doors, it brings new hope for a more balanced, dialogue-driven approach to international disputes—one where every party, big or small, can find a seat at the table.
Reference(s):
Why China helped set up International Organization for Mediation
cgtn.com
