Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, 30 May 2025
On 30 May 2025, the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was held in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), People’s Republic of China. His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, attended the event and delivered remarks. The ceremony brought together approximately 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, as well as nearly 20 international organizations. On this occasion, 33 countries signed the Convention on site, thereby becoming founding members. H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO represented the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) at the event.
The Convention formally establishes the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) - the world’s first intergovernmental legal body dedicated exclusively to the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation. By harnessing the distinct advantages of mediation - its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and reliability - the Organization provides a new, party-driven and efficient option for the resolution of international disputes. The Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following the deposit of the third instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession. The headquarters of IOMed will be located in the Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China.
Global Forum on International Mediation, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, 30 May 2025
The Global Forum on International Mediation was convened in the Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, immediately following the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) on 30 May 2025. The Forum brought together leaders from several signatory States, heads of international and regional organizations, representatives of multilateral institutions, renowned experts in international mediation, and other key stakeholders. Participants engaged in discussions on a range of issues, including State-to-State mediation, as well as the mediation of international investment and commercial disputes. They commended mediation’s emphasis on both procedural and outcome fairness, describing it as a “win-win” alternative to adversarial legal proceedings. There was broad consensus that the establishment of IOMed would fill a critical gap in the existing global dispute resolution architecture, thereby enhancing international governance and strengthening inter-State cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO was invited to deliver remarks at the Sub-Forum on International Investment and Commercial Dispute Mediation. The Secretary-General reaffirmed AALCO’s longstanding commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, highlighting that mediation aligns closely with the legal and cultural traditions of AALCO Member States. Drawing from AALCO’s active engagement in UNCITRAL’s ISDS reform process, he emphasized the growing recognition of mediation as an accessible, efficient, and development-oriented alternative to adversarial processes. He also endorsed the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) as a timely and essential complement to global dispute-resolution frameworks.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of regional efforts, particularly the role of AALCO’s six Regional Arbitration Centres in promoting ADR, including mediation. He proposed enhanced collaboration between these Centres - especially the Hong Kong Centre - and IOMed, to strengthen regional capacity, harmonize practices, and broaden access to dispute resolution services. He also encouraged AALCO Member States to consider becoming parties to the IOMed Convention, underlining their vital role in shaping a fair, inclusive, and representative global legal order.
AALCO’s support for mediation also includes its flagship capacity-building initiative, the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme on International Law (CAERP), which equips legal professionals with the tools to navigate complex dispute resolution landscapes. In closing, the Secretary-General reaffirmed AALCO’s readiness to partner with IOMed and other stakeholders in building a future where mediation becomes a central pillar of the international legal system.