According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from October 14 to 17, 2024, the fifth negotiation meeting for the Convention on the Establishment of an International Mediation Institute took place in Hong Kong. The discussions concluded successfully, with a decision made to hold the signing ceremony for the Convention in Hong Kong in 2025.
The International Mediation Institute will be the world’s first intergovernmental organization specifically dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. This initiative represents a significant mechanism for achieving the peaceful resolution of disputes, as outlined in the United Nations Charter. Its goal is to foster cooperation and mutual benefit among disputing parties, which is crucial for improving global governance, promoting world peace, and stabilizing international order.
The establishment of the International Mediation Institute is a collaborative effort involving 19 countries, including China, and emphasizes joint consultation and co-construction. It serves as a contribution of developing nations to the international community, providing a public good in the realm of international law. The Institute will offer mediation services among countries, between countries and foreign investors, as well as for international commercial disputes. It aims to leverage the unique advantages of mediation, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and ease of enforcement, to provide nations with a new and efficient option for dispute resolution.
In 2022, China and like-minded countries reached a joint statement on the establishment of the International Mediation Institute. In February 2023, a preparatory office for the Institute was established in Hong Kong, successfully organizing the negotiation of the Convention. Looking forward, China will continue to work with other nations to expedite the Convention’s effectiveness and establish the International Mediation Institute as soon as possible.
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