“We aim to reinvigorate mediation, a time-honoured means of peaceful dispute resolution, and promote a mediation ecosystem,” says IOMed Secretary-General Prof Teresa Cheng. 

The International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) is the first inter-governmental organisation established by a convention dedicated exclusively to promoting the use of mediation. Its primary function is to provide mediation services for THREE types of international disputes: State-to-State disputes, investor-State disputes, and international commercial disputes. It is noteworthy that cross-border commercial disputes within the Greater Bay Area may also be submitted to IOMed. 

Why mediate at IOMed? 

•  Party control. Mediation is a consensual process that offers high predictability. Instead of having an outcome imposed by a third party, disputants can control the terms of settlement, and if unsuccessful, they can terminate the mediation.  

•  Confidential and without prejudice. Mediation at IOMed is confidential and without prejudice to parties’ right to resolve their disputes through other mechanisms. 

•  Preserving relationships. Mediation is not adversarial. Focusing on interests and mutually acceptable solutions, it allows the parties to sustain collaboration and partnerships. 

•  Flexibility. The parties may appoint, by consensus, any person to be the mediator. IOMed maintains Panels of Mediators composed of high-calibre mediators designated by its Contracting States and Governing Council, from which the Secretary-General may make appointments if no agreement is reached.  

•  Institutional support and credibility. Mediation rules of IOMed offer clear guidelines for parties and mediators to follow. The Secretary-General will assist in appointment of mediators where no consensus is reached. The case secretary will provide clerical and logistical support, and the parties can mediate at the IOMed HQ. 

•  Cost-effectiveness. Compared to litigation and arbitration, mediation is more affordable and less time-consuming. At IOMed, charges are set at reasonable levels, and the duration of mediation, in principle, should not exceed 6 months. 

An international public good committed to fostering a global mediation ecosystem 

While there are well-established international bodies for litigation and arbitration, the world had no treaty-based body dedicated to mediation before IOMed was established. The inception of IOMed has filled this institutional gap and brings mediation to the forefront as a truly viable alternative alongside litigation and arbitration. 

The mediations services of IOMed are not exclusive to member states or nationals of member states, meaning they are available to any parties involved in the three types of disputes mentioned above. IOMed is also committed to capacity building, not only for mediators but also for users of mediation, with a view to fostering a global mediation ecosystem. On 9 May, IOMed held its first capacity-building event for member states. 

Steady progress after inauguration 

The number of Signatory States to the IOMed Convention has grown steadily since the organisation’s inauguration over six months ago, reaching 43 as of 20 May. The number of Contracting States that have ratified the Convention has also increased, rising from eight to 13.  

There are also success stories in mediation services. With consent of the parties and the mediator, Secretary-General Prof. Teresa Cheng announced that a maritime dispute was successfully resolved in early May through mediation administered by IOMed. 

As the first intergovernmental body headquartered in the Hong Kong SAR, IOMed is well-positioned to provide high-quality services for Hong Kong-based businesses and to help strengthen the city’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.  

You may access the IOMed mediation rules, model clause for commercial and investment disputes, and rules on fees and costs at: https://www.iomed.int/scope-of-cases/#rules 

Town Hall Forum with Secretary-General of IOMed 

The Chamber’s first Town Hall Forum of the year set a strong tone for meaningful conversations, convening over 50 members at the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) on 12 May for a thoughtful forward-looking discussion with its Secretary-General, Professor Teresa Cheng.   

HKGCC Chairman Agnes Chan opened the session with her welcome remarks and underscored Hong Kong’s proven strengths as an international financial and legal services hub. She highlighted the growing importance of mediation as a critical tool for managing risk and supporting cross-border businesses in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Against this backdrop, Hong Kong’s ambition to become a leading mediation capital for international commerce is reinforced by the establishment of IOMed in the city. 

The forum also featured a candid and thoughtful briefing by Professor Cheng, who outlined IOMed’s approach to mediation. Adopting a non-adversarial approach, IOMed seeks to facilitate mutually beneficial “win-win” solutions that remain firmly within the control of the parties involved. Mediation offers a constructive alternative to arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving conflicts, while preserving long-term relationships and enabling future engagement.  

Following a lively Q&A session moderated by Gill Meller, Chairman of the Chamber’s Legal Committee, participants took part in a guided tour of selected facilities at IOMed’s headquarters in the historic Old Wan Chai Police Station, offering a closer look at the organisation’s unique setting that blends heritage with modern purpose.  

The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to IOMed for its warm hospitality in hosting the session and looks forward to supporting its continued mission.