Nick Chan says the organization is a reaffirmation of our collective belief in diplomacy, cooperation, and the rule of law

On Friday, high-level representatives from over 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe and about 20 international organizations--including the United Nations--witnessed and celebrated, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the formal establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), the world’s first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolve international disputes through mediation.

The global community chose to formally sign the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation and establish the global headquarters of IOMed in Hong Kong at this crucial juncture in world’s history and development.  This is a strong affirmation of this internationalized city’s strong rule of law, with common law heritage and understanding of other legal systems, and of its status as a hub for top talent, innovation, legal services and disputes resolution with political stability and freedom of movements in finance and information.

The world has never been so united in embracing the need and benefits of deploying mediation skills to resolve international disputes through mutual respect, honest communication, listening and finding common ground, rather than through force.

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China and fellow signatories to the IOMed convention are all peace-loving nations. And the Hong Kong SAR is not just a capital for international finance and trade, but also a world “capital” for talent, innovation and now for peaceful resolution of international disputes, and this will help usher in an era of peaceful coexistence, economic grow and shared future for the global community.

New institution for a changing world

In a period when geopolitical complexities are mounting and traditional mechanisms of dispute resolution are increasingly tested, IOMed offers a timely and essential alternative. Mediation—a process grounded in dialogue, mutual respect and consensus—has proved to be an effective tool for resolving conflicts peacefully. With its establishment, IOMed joins the ranks of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration as a key pillar of the international legal order, but with a distinct and complementary focus.

Unlike court rulings and arbitration, mediation empowers parties to be guided by a neutral trustworthy professional party to creatively craft mutually acceptable solutions while preserving relationships and fostering long-term cooperation. IOMed’s mandate spans inter-state disputes, international investment issues, and transnational commercial conflicts, offering states and parties a flexible, cost-effective, and accessible forum for resolving disputes across legal traditions and jurisdictions.

Why Hong Kong

The decision to establish IOMed’s headquarters in Hong Kong is both recognition of past achievements and an investment in future potential. This is the first time an intergovernmental dispute resolution body of this stature has chosen Hong Kong as its home. It reflects the international community’s confidence in the city’s legal infrastructure, professional capabilities, and international orientation.

Hong Kong is uniquely positioned within China and the world. It is the only common law jurisdiction in China and the only bilingual common law system in the world, operating in both Chinese and English. The city’s legal system is renowned for its independence, transparency, and efficiency—qualities that are critical for any international legal institution.

This advantage is further reinforced by the unique principle of “one country, two systems”, which ensures Hong Kong’s distinct legal and economic framework within China. Together, these factors form a robust foundation that makes the city an ideal host for IOMed.

Hong Kong’s Judiciary, as demonstrated by its internationally renowned Court of Final Appeal, which is based in Hong Kong (not based outside the city, as it was pre-1997), maintains the highest standards of professionalism and independence, with distinguished judges drawn from Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions. This robust legal foundation is matched by a vibrant legal services sector, home to multilingual professionals with deep expertise in cross-border dispute resolution.

Convergence of global support

The May 30 signing ceremony brought together representatives from over 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe and around 20 international organizations, including the United Nations. This level of participation underscores the global demand for a dedicated mediation institution and the broad consensus supporting Hong Kong’s role.

That Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the signing in person highlighted the importance China places on peaceful dispute resolution and international legal cooperation, as well as its strong commitment to multilateralism and international rule of law.  

President Xi Jinping has pointed out the importance of peaceful development and international cooperation. He has said that the world is undergoing profound changes and emphasized the need for countries to work together to achieve mutual benefits through multilateralism. These remarks demonstrated China’s strong support for global collaboration and its commitment to fostering stability through dialogue.

An institution for all

The establishment of IOMed is widely seen as an important step toward strengthening neutrality and inclusiveness in international legal institutions. This is an inclusive institution that serves the entire world —neutral, impartial, and free from the influence of any single hegemonic power. Countries that value peace and uphold the principles of cooperation will naturally recognize the importance of this initiative and support its development.

IOMed is not only a legal institution—it is a diplomatic platform that reflects a deep commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Its creation sends a clear message: The world can come together to create institutions based on equality, mutual respect, and shared benefits.

Beyond its legal significance, IOMed’s presence in Hong Kong is expected to deliver tangible economic benefits. It will create high-value jobs in mediation, legal research, translation, and administration, while driving growth in related industries such as hospitality, logistics, and event services. More international conferences, training programs, and legal symposiums are expected to take place in Hong Kong, further boosting the city’s global profile.

In this year’s International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is again ranked the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region and tied for second globally. The World Competitiveness Yearbook placed Hong Kong first in categories such as “business legislation” and “international trade”, and the World Bank’s Business Ready report ranked Hong Kong eighth in “dispute resolution” among 50 economies. These accolades underscore the city’s global competitiveness and legal excellence.

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The establishment of IOMed is more than the creation of a new institution — it is a reaffirmation of our collective belief in diplomacy, cooperation, and the rule of law. In an era where fragmentation and unilateralism threaten international stability, IOMed represents a hopeful alternative - a forum where dialogue triumphs over division and consensus is valued over coercion.

Hong Kong is proud to be the home of this institution. The city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western legal traditions, bilingual common law system, and deeply rooted respect for the rule of law makes the city an ideal host. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will continue to serve as a bridge between nations, legal systems and cultures.

The author is a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, chairman of the Hong Kong and Mainland Legal Profession Association, and director of the regional disputes resolution centre of Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO).

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.