AKP Phnom Penh, May 30, 2025 --

The International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) was officially established today in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, marked by a signing ceremony attended by senior officials and delegates from over 60 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

Representatives from approximately 20 international organisations, including the United Nations, also participated.

Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, signed the agreement alongside representatives from all signatory nations. Cambodia's Minister of Commerce, H.E. Cham Nimul, was among the signatories, signing on behalf of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Initiated by China in collaboration with nearly 20 like-minded countries, the IOMed's establishment follows the successful conclusion of negotiations on its founding charter. The organisation's headquarters will be based in Hong Kong.

The IOMed is envisioned as a global platform for international mediation, aiming to facilitate dialogue and resolve disputes across various contexts, including state-to-state conflicts, investor-state disputes, and commercial disagreements. It seeks to promote peaceful resolutions through amicable means, aligning with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Mediation, as a dispute resolution method, is recognised for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, offering a more conciliatory alternative to adversarial legal processes. It respects the autonomy of involved parties and reflects traditions of diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

The IOMed is set to become the world’s first intergovernmental legal organisation exclusively dedicated to the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation. It is expected to play a critical role in upholding the objectives and principles of the UN Charter.

The creation of the IOMed also represents a collective response to the global demand for peace, stability, and sustainable development, as well as a shared call for enhanced international cooperation and mutual benefit in an interconnected world.

By K. Rithy Reak