International Organization for Mediation Established in Hong Kong to Enhance Global Governance
A new convention aims to improve international dispute resolution mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of developing countries' representation.
HONG KONG, May 30 -- The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was officially established following the signing of a convention in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the ceremony and articulated the significance of the IOMed as a mechanism for fostering the rule of law and improving global governance.
During the ceremony, Wang Yi highlighted that the IOMed represents an innovative step in international rule of law with considerable historical implications for international relations.
He remarked that the organization aims to operationalize the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter while addressing current gaps in international mediation processes.
Wang Yi emphasized that IOMed's establishment is intended to promote amicable resolutions to international disputes, moving beyond the adversarial 'zero-sum' mentality.
He noted that the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of the IOMed would enhance current mediation efforts and complement existing systems such as litigation and arbitration.
The IOMed is committed to enhancing participation from developing nations and increasing their influence in international governance.
Wang reiterated the need for a set of world-class mediation rules that are characterized by autonomy, pragmatism, and high efficiency.
He expressed anticipation for the early ratification of the convention by signatory countries and encouraged broader participation.
The signing ceremony attracted approximately 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and nearly 20 international organizations.
Among the attendees, 33 countries signed the convention on-site, establishing themselves as founding members of the IOMed.
Key figures, including foreign ministers and officials from countries such as Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Serbia, and Switzerland, delivered remarks underscoring the significance of the IOMed in promoting multilateralism and global governance principles.
They expressed appreciation for China’s active role in facilitating this initiative and anticipated its positive contributions to international dispute resolution and cooperation.
Hong Kong has been chosen as the IOMed's headquarters, with local officials expressing their commitment to leveraging the region's unique characteristics under the 'one country, two systems' framework to support the new organization’s operations.
The establishment of the IOMed is seen as a landmark development for global mediation efforts, providing a structured approach to resolving international disputes through dialogue.
In a parallel development, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, recently called for the continuation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Amid ongoing hostilities, he acknowledged the complexity of the crisis and urged both parties to demonstrate political will for a dialogue-based resolution.
Meanwhile, representatives from China's People's Liberation Army National Defense University participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, engaging with international leaders to strengthen security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
This engagement aligns with China’s broader efforts to actively participate in global discussions on peace and cooperation, alongside its proposed Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue, articulated France's commitment to cooperation with China while also aligning with the United States.
His statements reflected ongoing complexities in international relations, emphasizing the balance between engagement and competition within the evolving geopolitical landscape.
During the ceremony, Wang Yi highlighted that the IOMed represents an innovative step in international rule of law with considerable historical implications for international relations.
He remarked that the organization aims to operationalize the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter while addressing current gaps in international mediation processes.
Wang Yi emphasized that IOMed's establishment is intended to promote amicable resolutions to international disputes, moving beyond the adversarial 'zero-sum' mentality.
He noted that the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of the IOMed would enhance current mediation efforts and complement existing systems such as litigation and arbitration.
The IOMed is committed to enhancing participation from developing nations and increasing their influence in international governance.
Wang reiterated the need for a set of world-class mediation rules that are characterized by autonomy, pragmatism, and high efficiency.
He expressed anticipation for the early ratification of the convention by signatory countries and encouraged broader participation.
The signing ceremony attracted approximately 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and nearly 20 international organizations.
Among the attendees, 33 countries signed the convention on-site, establishing themselves as founding members of the IOMed.
Key figures, including foreign ministers and officials from countries such as Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Serbia, and Switzerland, delivered remarks underscoring the significance of the IOMed in promoting multilateralism and global governance principles.
They expressed appreciation for China’s active role in facilitating this initiative and anticipated its positive contributions to international dispute resolution and cooperation.
Hong Kong has been chosen as the IOMed's headquarters, with local officials expressing their commitment to leveraging the region's unique characteristics under the 'one country, two systems' framework to support the new organization’s operations.
The establishment of the IOMed is seen as a landmark development for global mediation efforts, providing a structured approach to resolving international disputes through dialogue.
In a parallel development, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, recently called for the continuation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Amid ongoing hostilities, he acknowledged the complexity of the crisis and urged both parties to demonstrate political will for a dialogue-based resolution.
Meanwhile, representatives from China's People's Liberation Army National Defense University participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, engaging with international leaders to strengthen security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
This engagement aligns with China’s broader efforts to actively participate in global discussions on peace and cooperation, alongside its proposed Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue, articulated France's commitment to cooperation with China while also aligning with the United States.
His statements reflected ongoing complexities in international relations, emphasizing the balance between engagement and competition within the evolving geopolitical landscape.
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