A signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was held today as it was revealed that Hong Kong has been chosen as the IOMed's home.

The IOMed will be the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to mediation.

CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Member and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi signed the convention on behalf of China. Representatives from 32 other countries also signed it.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Wang said that as an innovative step in international rule of law, the IOMed has great significance in the history of international relations.

He stressed that its establishment is an actualisation of the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and an example of a civilisational belief in harmony, while epitomising inclusiveness in the rule of law.

Outlining that the IOMed will be headquartered in Hong Kong, Mr Wang said the city's handover is in itself a success story that exemplifies peaceful settlement of international disputes. The success of the “one country, two systems” principle has created brighter prospects for prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, he added.

Mr Wang said he looks forward to all parties working together to ensure the IOMed plays a positive role in peacefully resolving international disputes to create a brighter future for humanity.

Chief Executive John Lee, as well as senior representatives from more than 50 countries, and from the United Nations and other international organisations, attended the ceremony.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam were also present.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government for allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the organisation’s headquarters, adding that Hong Kong has a well-respected legal system and world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals.

“The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions.”

This afternoon's Global Forum on International Mediation involved discussions of topics including mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes.

Guest speakers emphasised that Hong Kong has unique features that allow it to build bridges between different legal traditions.

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret said: “It combines the background and the expertise in both civil and common law, and it is the only jurisdiction that has these two features, and that is exactly what mediation needs.”

Former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk remarked that Hong Kong is a place of innovations in multiple ways, including technology, trade, and now also diplomacy.

“I think that that is a really very good choice. Hong Kong is already established as one of the global centres of communication, of everything, of every form of communication. And to add this dimension would enrich Hong Kong and would enrich also the processes of mediation.”

Executive Director of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Institute for Peace & Reconciliation I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, said he expected the IOMed to collaborate with other regional organisations, including ASEAN, in finding solutions to conflict situations within the region.

“I think Hong Kong and China have a lot of experience on the trade issues, on economic issues, and of course we expect that IOMed will also deal with the political and security issues in the future.”

Meanwhile, Asian Academy of International Law Founder Member and Co-Chairman Teresa Cheng said she believes housing the headquarters in Hong Kong will raise the city’s international profile by allowing it to play a leading role in mediation efforts.

“For example, capacity building, running conferences, bringing experts in to discuss certain issues. And all these will attract foreigners coming to Hong Kong and thereby knowing Hong Kong and learning themselves how good Hong Kong is, and therefore be able to bring that view back to their hometown.”

Witnessed by forum guests, Mr Lam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Minister of Commerce of Cambodia Cham Nimul, to strengthen co-operation between the two places on issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution.