At the 58th UNCITRAL session in Vienna, Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, unveiled plans for the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) to become the world’s first intergovernmental legal body dedicated to settling disputes through mediation. As tensions and trade disagreements grow, IOMed aims to offer an alternative path grounded in diplomacy rather than litigation or force.
Li Song highlighted that the UN Charter clearly identifies mediation as a preferred method for peaceful settlement. With support from the Chinese mainland and likeminded partners, this new organization steps onto the global stage to meet the rising demand for constructive, timely solutions.
UNCITRAL Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret, who witnessed the signing of the IOMed convention in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region earlier this year, expressed hope for stronger cooperation to advance international rule of law.
Under its founding convention, IOMed will mediate three categories of disputes upon mutual consent: inter-state conflicts; commercial or investment disputes between a state and a national of another state; and international commercial disputes between private entities. By focusing on mediation instead of court battles, the organization seeks to resolve conflicts more efficiently and preserve long-term relationships.
For young entrepreneurs, global investors, and cross-border teams, IOMed represents a neutral hub that combines legal expertise with agile mediation tools. In a world where a single trade row can ripple through markets, this new body could reshape how nations and businesses navigate conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
