A new international organization is stepping onto the global stage to promote peaceful dispute resolution. The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) aims to help settle international conflicts through mediation, offering a fresh approach to global cooperation.
Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, announced on Friday that the IOMed will serve as a leading intergovernmental body dedicated to resolving disputes peacefully. Speaking at a promotion reception during the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Li emphasized the importance of mediation as outlined in the UN Charter.
“The IOMed represents a significant step towards more amicable international relations,” Li stated. “It will be the world’s first intergovernmental legal organization focused solely on mediation, providing a platform for dialogue and understanding.”
UNCITRAL Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret recalled witnessing the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed in south China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region earlier this year. She expressed optimism about future collaboration between UNCITRAL and the IOMed to strengthen the international rule of law.
The IOMed is a collaborative effort by China and other like-minded countries, addressing the growing need for international mediation in an increasingly interconnected world. According to the IOMed convention, the organization will offer mediation services for three types of disputes: between states; commercial or investment disputes between a state and a national of another state; and international commercial disputes between private parties.
By providing these services, the IOMed hopes to foster peaceful resolutions and prevent conflicts from escalating. This initiative underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
