In a historic move to enhance peaceful dispute resolution globally, China and 32 other countries officially launched the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) during a signing ceremony held in Hong Kong on Thursday.
The new body, headquartered at the former Wan Chai Police Station, aims to serve as an international platform for mediating disputes between nations, between states and foreign nationals, and in complex international commercial conflicts. It is the first of its kind focused entirely on mediation as a form of non-judicial conflict resolution.
The establishment follows more than two years of consultations, beginning in 2022 when China proposed the idea as part of its push to promote multilateralism and peaceful diplomacy. A Preparatory Office was set up in 2023 in Hong Kong, which now serves as the organization’s permanent base.
Representatives from countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, Belarus, Cuba, and Serbia joined China in signing the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, signaling broad support across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
China’s Foreign Ministry described the initiative as a contribution of “Chinese wisdom” to global governance. "This organization fills a gap in international mechanisms by offering a voluntary and neutral approach to resolving disputes peacefully,” said a Chinese official.
The IOMed will operate on the principles of voluntary participation, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and peaceful settlement, with mediation efforts led by professional and impartial mediators. Unlike arbitration or litigation, the mediation process under IOMed is non-binding, allowing parties to explore compromise without legal enforcement.
Sun Jin, a senior Chinese diplomat, was appointed as the first Director-General of the organization.
Though independent of the United Nations, IOMed will work in tandem with existing international frameworks and regional bodies. Its backers say it will complement judicial institutions like the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration by offering an informal alternative to legal proceedings.
The organization is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2025.
