Published: 17:46, May 30, 2025
What they say: How IOMed could reshape international dispute resolution
By China Daily

Editor's note: The newly established International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) marks a major step in global conflict resolution. China Daily gathers insights from officials and overseas representatives about this innovative platform — how peaceful dialogue shapes the future of international disputes.

During the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, in Hong Kong, May 30, 2025. (ADAM LAM / CHINA DAILY)

The establishment of the IOMed embodies the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and aims to fill the gap in mechanisms for international mediation.

Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of  China

The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries -- regardless of culture, language and legal system -- to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is 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.

John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks during the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, in Hong Kong, May 30, 2025. (ADAM LAM / CHINA DAILY)

Mediation is a vital part of conflict resolution, and an organization like this is able to prevent escalating conflicts. As the Global South, there's always a need for us to have a platform where we can resolve conflicts so that they do not escalate, so I can see why there's a lot of value for this organization.

Judyth Nsababera, Counsul General of the Republic of Uganda in Guangzhou, China

The IOMed is a very important international initiative for the peaceful resolution of disputes. In a civilized world, [establishing] organizations, such as the IOMed -- championed by the People's Republic of China and associated countries -- is a very important step towards moving to a peaceful world. [Hong Kong] is the best location in terms of representing the major ways of solving disputes. I think Hong Kong is one of the cities of peace. And we believe that it is the best location for mediation.

Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for Zimbabwe

We fully support Hong Kong as the headquarters to house the International Organization for Mediation, as it demonstrates a very good example of a peaceful solution under the “one country, two systems” framework and we see very good results here in Hong Kong.

Nenad Vujic, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Serbia