The International Organization for Mediation: A new platform for enhancing global governance under the rule of law

On May 30, 2025, the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) took place in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The event brought together about 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and nearly 20 international organizations, including the United Nations. 33 countries including China signed the IOMed Convention at the ceremony.

This significant gathering marks the IOMed's timely arrival at a pivotal moment. The organization speaks to an international aspiration for a peaceful and harmonious world, while demonstrating China's commitment to improving the global governance system.

The advancement of international justice

The IOMed is guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Its core mission is to promote and facilitate the peaceful settlement of international disputes via mediation, and foster friendly relations and cooperation among countries.

The organization encourages dialogue and consultation over confrontation or conflict, and advocates building more consensus on cooperation and resolving disputes in a timely and proper fashion. The IOMed firmly upholds the authority of international law as well as international fairness and justice, which is in line with the UN Charter's call for peaceful settlement of international disputes via mediation and other peaceful means.

A global public good

The IOMed, as a specialized international mediation mechanism, represents an important contribution to global governance and the rule of law. It establishes an institutional platform to address a glaring void in the current framework, leveraging mediation's unique strengths: accessibility, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Initiated by China and supported by many developing countries, the IOMed amplifies the voice of the Global South in global governance. It also helps foster a more inclusive and equitable international order by enabling countries to address disputes through a cooperative and constructive approach.

Harmony and win-win

The IOMed embodies Eastern wisdom by placing harmony at its core and fostering win-win cooperation. It encourages dialogue as the way to handle disagreements. By facilitating the peaceful settlement of problems, it hopes to make the world a better place.

In an era when countries see their own future closely linked with that of others, the IOMed transcends the zero-sum thinking and seeks to bring countries together to prevent and resolve disputes independently and efficiently. This will cultivate a spirit of partnership and contribute to a more harmonious and equitable framework for international relations.

A milestone in global cooperation

The establishment of the IOMed coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the founding of the UN. In 1945, China was the first country to sign the UN Charter in San Francisco. Eighty years on, China is taking the lead as the first signatory of the IOMed Convention in Hong Kong.

Decades have passed, but one constant endures: China's unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes.

In the years to come, the world can have confidence in China's sustained international engagement to build on the IOMed and foster friendship, mutual benefit, and prosperity for all.

The author is a commentator on international affairs. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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