China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and high-level representatives from 33 countries – such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Algeria, Cuba and Serbia – today officially signed the convention for the establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong.
The convention paves the way for the IOMed, the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving global disputes through mediation, to be based in the city. The IOMed’s venue in Hong Kong is expected to open later this year.
China led the preparation of its establishment since February 2023, with the organisation’s functions and status modelled on the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, Netherlands.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who attended the signing ceremony, said the IOMed would become increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions.
“When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue – not division – that restores balance,” he said.
High-level representatives from more than 80 countries and 20 international organisations attended the signing ceremony, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Zimbabwean?Minister of?Foreign Affairs?and International Trade Amon?Murwira.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Yi urged more countries to sign the convention and join hands to establish a set of independent, flexible, pragmatic, efficient and internationally leading mediation rules and mechanisms.
Wang says, “The International Organisation for Mediation aims to mediate disputes between countries, countries and foreign investors, and international commercial matters, according to the wishes of the parties.
“It (IOMed) will fill the gap in international mediation mechanisms and serve as an important public resource for improving global governance.”
Tao Chun-ming, former secretary-general of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, told local media that he expected the IOMed would resolve disputes in Asia and Africa at the beginning of operations.
Tao hopes Europe, the US and other jurisdictions would choose Hong Kong as a venue for dispute resolution.
The IOMed headquarters is located at the former Wan Chai Police Station. The building, constructed in 1932, is undergoing renovation and is expected to open by the end of this year.
