The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) is set to officially launch in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Friday.
Its debut showcases China’s commitment to uphold an international law-based global order and usher in a new chapter to peacefully solve international disputes, the HKSAR’s chief executive said on Tuesday.
The official signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation will be attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and senior representatives from 60 countries and regions and 20 global organizations. Following the signing, a global forum on international mediation will discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes.
Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the establishment of IOMed — which will occupy the renovated century-old former police station in Wan Chai — will amplify Hong Kong’s influence in international mediation, reinforcing its reputation as a neutral, rule-of-law-based jurisdiction bridging Eastern and Western legal traditions.
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Lee said that the IOMed, whose status is comparable to the Netherlands-based International Court of Justice, reflects the principle of resolving conflicts through dialogue, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to litigation or arbitration while reinforcing international order under the framework of law.
The IOMed’s presence is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and an influx of international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions, he said, adding that high-profile conferences and exhibitions linked to the body will further boost related sectors.
Lee noted that the organization will strengthen Hong Kong’s legal framework and mainstream mediation culture, solidifying its reputation as a rules-based society.
The chief executive thanked the central government for its unwavering support, which aligns with Hong Kong’s strategic positioning under the 14th Five-Year Plan as an Asia-Pacific hub for legal and dispute resolution services.
He noted that the IOMed’s establishment — from its preparatory office in Hong Kong to the upcoming signing ceremony — reflects Beijing’s confidence in the city’s institutional strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework.
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China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of IOMed in 2022.
