Hong Kong Launches World's First Intergovernmental Mediation Body to Promote Global Diplomatic Conflict Resolution

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in a historic event on Friday morning in Hong Kong, attending the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). This marks the creation of the world’s first intergovernmental legal body devoted exclusively to resolving international disputes through mediation, an initiative originally proposed by China and 18 other nations in 2022.

The significance of the ceremony was underscored by the attendance of approximately 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and nearly 20 international organizations. During the event, delegates from 33 countries signed the convention on-site, officially becoming the founding members of the new organization. Wang Yi extended his congratulations to these founding states, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing peaceful dispute resolution and fostering international cooperation.

Addressing the assembly, Wang Yi highlighted the lack of any previous intergovernmental legal entity focused on peaceful international dispute settlement. He outlined that the IOMed is specifically structured to mediate—on a voluntary basis—not just disputes between states, but also those involving states and foreign investors, as well as broader international commercial conflicts. According to Wang, this new body will fill a crucial gap in global governance and serve as an important “public good” supporting the rule of law across nations.

An important announcement during the ceremony confirmed that Hong Kong will serve as the headquarters of the IOMed, following consultations among the negotiating states. Wang Yi cited Hong Kong’s unique position: its integration of common law and civil law traditions provides it with “unparalleled strengths” in international mediation. He expressed confidence that both IOMed and Hong Kong would benefit and grow together, reinforcing each other on the world stage.

Wang called upon all signatory countries to ratify the convention promptly and encouraged more nations to join, signaling China’s openness to broad international participation. The organization is expected to begin full operations by early 2026, ushering in a new era for multilateral conflict resolution and legal cooperation.

The event featured remarks from distinguished guests such as Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, Nicaraguan Attorney General Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Serbian Minister of Justice Nenad Vujic, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, and UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua. Speakers commended the alignment of IOMed’s mission with the core values of the United Nations Charter and emphasized its importance for promoting multilateralism, effective global governance, and peaceful coexistence.

John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, welcomed the decision to establish the IOMed headquarters in the city. He pledged Hong Kong’s strong support for the new organization, citing the region’s advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework and its longstanding reputation as an international hub for legal and commercial affairs.