Hong Kong Inaugurates World's First Intergovernmental Mediation Organization

The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), the world's first intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to resolving international disputes through mediation, officially opened its headquarters in Hong Kong today.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the historic former Wan Chai Police Station, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that the city will host a Global Mediation Summit in 2026 to bring together practitioners, policymakers, and leaders worldwide for insights and collaboration.

In his address, Lee emphasized mediation's critical role amid global instability: "Mediation is essential for resolving disputes, maintaining relationships, and fostering cooperation." He thanked the central government and the 33 founding member states for selecting Hong Kong as IOMed's permanent home, highlighting the city's strengths under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.

"Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of the mainland while leveraging its international hub status, backed by a storied rule-of-law tradition and a common law system shared with global financial centers," Lee said. "Three of our universities rank among the world's top 60 law schools, nurturing top talent in legal and dispute resolution services. We are proud to be a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' for the Organization."

Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, delivering remarks on behalf of China, hailed IOMed as a groundbreaking platform for international law. "It promotes equal negotiation and win-win cooperation, integrating diverse legal systems to offer flexible, cost-effective dispute resolution," she said. "IOMed will contribute to perfecting the international legal order and building a community with a shared future for mankind."

The Council appointed Teresa Cheng YEUK-wah, former Secretary for Justice (2018–2022), senior barrister, and international arbitration expert, as IOMed's inaugural Secretary-General. Cheng, who hosted the ceremony, underscored the Organization's foundational principles in her speech: "IOMed is built on inclusivity, equality, mutual respect, and understanding. It advances multilateralism as a vital pillar for peacefully settling international disputes."

Attendees included representatives from IOMed's 33 Convention signatories, other signing nations, international organizations, and prominent figures from society.

IOMed's mandate covers state-to-state disputes, conflicts between a state and foreign nationals, and international commercial disputes between private entities. Established under the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation—signed by 33 countries in May—IOMed stands alongside prestigious bodies like the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Following the ceremony, Lee met with Hua to express gratitude for Beijing's support in positioning Hong Kong as host to this landmark institution.