Hong Kong is committed to advancing international mediation through world-class professional services and will host a global mediation summit next year, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Monday.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), Lee said the world is facing growing instability, making mediation an increasingly vital tool for resolving disputes, maintaining relationships, and fostering cooperation.
He revealed that Hong Kong will host a global mediation summit in 2026, inviting mediation practitioners, policymakers, and leaders from around the world to exchange insights and strengthen collaboration.
Lee said under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys both the unique advantages of the mainland and the strengths of an international hub, supported by a strong rule-of-law tradition and a common law system shared with other global financial centers.
He expressed gratitude to the central government and the international community for choosing Hong Kong as the headquarters of the IOMed.
“We take pride in being a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder,’ and we are honoured to serve as the Organization’s home,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying said IOMed promotes equal negotiation and win-win cooperation.
The organization integrates features of various legal systems to create a new platform in the realm of international law, offering more flexible and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving global disputes, she said.
Located in the former Wan Chai Police Station, IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated to settling international disputes through mediation. In May, 33 countries signed the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed, becoming its founding members.
Lee and Hua convened a meeting on the same day.
Lee expressed his appreciation for the central government's support of Hong Kong's pivotal role in establishing the first intergovernmental organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.
The organization is on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the United Nations located in The Hague.
