Editor's note: In a world where geopolitical tensions and complex disputes demand solutions beyond traditional litigation, the birth of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) marks a transformative step toward peaceful dispute resolution. Following the landmark launch in Hong Kong at the IOMed’s headquarters, China Daily, in its new Make it Simple column, digs into its mission, global significance, and the quiet power of mediation in an ever-changing world.
What is the IOMed?
● The first intergovernmental international legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, a peaceful dispute resolution.
Why is the IOMed important?
● A milestone in promoting mediation for international conflict resolution.
● A high-level international body, equivalent in status to the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the United Nations’ International Court of Justice.
What is its role?
● Providing mediation services for resolving international disputes. This may include those between states; between a state and a national of another state; and international commercial disputes.
● Promoting the use of mediation.
● Organizing mediation forums to facilitate communication and information sharing.
● Promoting cooperation for mediation capacity building, recognizing and giving priority to the needs of developing countries.
● Cooperating and communicating with other international organizations and dispute resolution agencies.
Who is involved?
● 32 countries signed the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed, becoming the founding members.
● A total of 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and regions from Asia, Africa and Latin America, and Europe and nearly 20 international organizations, including the United Nations, attended the signing ceremony.
Development timeline
● In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the IOMed.
● On Feb 16, 2023, the preparatory office was established in Hong Kong.
● Between Oct 14–17, 2024, negotiations on the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed took place in Hong Kong, where it was decided that the headquarters would be located in the SAR.
● On May 30, 2025, the convention was signed in Hong Kong.
● Within the next few months, the renovation of the Old Wan Chai Police Station, which will house the IOMed headquarters, is expected to be completed.
● By late 2025 or early 2026, the IOMed is expected to commence formal operations.
Other main mediation organizations
● International Mediation Institute, in The Hague, Netherlands
● Singapore International Mediation Centre, in Singapore
● Civil Mediation Council, in London, the United Kingdom
● Australian Mediation Association, in Australia
What is mediation?
● An alternative non-judicial method to resolve international disputes besides international arbitration.
● Trained, impartial mediators assist relevant parties in reaching a mutually satisfactory and acceptable settlement privately.
● Fast and cost-effective compared with international litigation and arbitration.
● Forward-looking, constructive, and fosters preserving relationships.
