HONG KONG: China signed a convention on Friday setting up a global mediation body in Hong Kong, which aims to be comparable to organisations such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Initiated by Beijing, the establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) was co-signed by 31 other countries, including Serbia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Venezuela.

Beijing has taken a more proactive approach in international affairs in recent years, expanding its influence in global bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation — especially as the US has taken the opposite direction under President Donald Trump.

“The birth of IOMed will help transcend the zero-sum mentality of ‘win or lose’, promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and build more harmonious international relations,” said China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, who presided over the signing.

Pakistan among 31 signatory nations; Dar hails Beijing for landmark step ushering new era of mediation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the signing ceremony.

Hong Kong’s government said IOMed will be the first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation, while Wang said it would “fill a gap in the field”.

Mediation is when a neutral third party intervenes into a dispute to help two sides negotiate a jointly acceptable resolution to a conflict, as opposed to, for example, political bargaining or litigation.

The body will mediate disputes between countries, between countries and individuals from another country, and between private international entities.

IOMed “is on a par with” the United Nations’ ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, said the Hong Kong government.

IOMed will start operating by the end of this year or early 2026.

‘Transformative initiative’

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has termed the creation IOMed a significant step in reinforcing multilateralism and promoting diplomacy over confrontation in the new era of mediation.

Mr Dar lauded the leadership of China for spearheading the creation of IOMed and called the initiative comparable in impact to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution by becoming a founding member of the new organisation.

Mr Dar described the establishment of IOMed as the birth of an important global institution dedicated to mediation and peaceful dispute resolution, and commended the selection of Hong Kong as the organisation’s headquarters.

Reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, Mr Dar highlighted the country’s recent efforts, including the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) in Pakistan, aimed at advancing commercial dispute resolution.

The foreign minister highlighted pressing global conflicts, citing unresolved issues such as Jammu and Kashmir and the occupied Palestinian territories, and warned against the rise of unilateralism and populism.

He condemned India’s recent military aggression and disregard for international treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty, describing such actions as a threat to regional and global peace.

Through our presence in IOMed, “Pakistan brings not only its rich diplomatic experience but also an unwavering commitment to peace, equity, and justice”.

He urged the member states to empower the organisation to reach its full potential.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025