On October 20, Hong Kong hosted the inauguration of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), the world’s first intergovernmental mediation body.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) hosted the inauguration ceremony of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) on October 20. Nearly 200 guests attended the ceremony, including representatives from more than 30 contracting and signatory states, as well as members of Hong Kong’s legal, business, and diplomatic sectors.
A New Milestone for Peaceful Dispute Resolution
The IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental organization focused on resolving international disputes through mediation. Moreover, it complements existing international courts and arbitration bodies, offering a new voluntary platform for peaceful settlement of disputes. The institution can handle three types of disputes: between states, between a state and foreign investors, and among international commercial parties.
In these times of global instability, international mediation is indispensable for resolving disputes, preserving relationships and encouraging meaningful cooperation, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said at the ceremony. “With our world-class professional services, Hong Kong is dedicated to supporting the cause of dispute resolution,” Lee said.
He also called the inauguration “a testament of our shared commitment to a future in which dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect prevail over acrimony and conflict.”
Heritage Architecture with Modern Spirit
The IOMed headquarters is located in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. The renovation turned the Old Wan Chai Police Station, a Grade II historic site, into the new IOMed headquarters. The four-story U-shaped structure covers over 5,000 square meters. Renovation took 14 months and preserved original features such as wooden windows, wooden doors, and a flag-bearing gable façade. Designers added modern elements to blend heritage and contemporary styles. Inside, the design reflects the balance of strength and grace found in Chinese porcelain, creating a peaceful and dignified atmosphere.
Global Support for Hong Kong’s Mediation Role
Representatives from Nicaragua, Venezuela, the Republic of the Congo, Kiribati, Pakistan, Kenya, and Dominica praised the establishment of the IOMed. They expressed hope that it will promote peaceful solutions and a fairer international order.
Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, a senior barrister and international arbitration expert, is the first Secretary-General of the organization. She served as Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice from 2018 to 2022 and presided over the inauguration ceremony.
The IOMed Convention was signed in Hong Kong on May 30 and later came into force on August 29. So far, 37 countries have signed the convention, and eight have completed ratification. As the first intergovernmental organization headquartered in Hong Kong, the IOMed marks a new chapter in the city’s role as a global center for mediation and dispute resolution.
Additional reporting by HKCNA, Global Times.
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