On Friday, dozens of nations, including Pakistan, teamed up with China to form a worldwide body aimed at resolving disputes through mediation. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his hope for Pakistan to take an "active" part in this initiative.
Dar was one of the representatives from over 30 nations, including places like Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba, who gathered in Hong Kong to sign the Convention establishing the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). This made them part of the inaugural group of this worldwide body.
Beijing has promoted the organization as the globe's premier governmental entity designed specifically for conflict resolution via mediation, asserting that it will serve as a crucial framework for upholding the tenets outlined in the UN Charter. Additionally, Beijing highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a key hub for international legal and dispute-resolution services within the Asian region.
At the signing ceremony, Dar emphasized that Pakistan appreciates China's consistent backing of multinational initiatives designed to connect East and West as well as North and South. These endeavors unite developed and developing nations to create a world where all share a common destiny.
He stated that Pakistan and China have consistently held the belief that multilateralism is central to global peace, stability, and progress.
The establishment of IOMed today reinforces this vision, providing new avenues and renewed hope for constructing a more inclusive, fair, and equal society. Pakistan will remain an enthusiastic advocate in this worthy endeavor.
The newly established headquarters located in Hong Kong is dedicated to facilitating the peaceful settlement of international conflicts and fostering greater harmony among nations globally. The backing from developing countries underscores China’s growing clout in the southern hemisphere as geopolitical strains intensify, partly due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of trade duties.
Wang stated that China has consistently promoted addressing disparities by fostering mutual comprehension and reaching agreements via discussions, striving to offer "Chinese insight" for settling disputes among countries.
He stated that the creation of the International Organization for Mediation aids in moving past the zero-sum mentality of 'one side loses so the other can triumph.'
John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, stated that the group might start its operations as soon as the conclusion of this year. The event saw attendees from approximately 50 different nations along with around 20 international bodies, such as the United Nations.
Yueming Yan, a law professor from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated that this new entity serves as an additional tool alongside current bodies like the International Court of Justice and thePermanent Court of Arbitration located in The Hague.
She stated that whereas the ICJ and PCA concentrate on judgment and arbitration, IOMed presents a systematic and formal method of alternative dispute resolution—specifically, mediation—on a worldwide level.
Even though numerous specifics regarding the new structure remain undisclosed, it might pave the way for enhanced collaboration between traditional legal actions such as lawsuits or arbitrations and more adaptable approaches like mediation, she explained.
Shahla Ali, who teaches law at the University of Hong Kong, stated that the International Organization for Mediation would possess the capability to resolve conflicts among countries, between a country and an individual from another nation, as well as in cross-border business disagreements.
She mentioned that conventions offer chances to try out innovative methods," adding that there is growing global interest in using mediation as a way to address conflicts between investors and states.
Dar stated that peace and security along with worldwide prosperity can be enhanced and maintained by rigorously following the guidelines set forth in the UN Charter, faithfully implementing decisions made by the UN Security Council, and adhering to international law.
"Pakistan has set up the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) to enhance commercial and investment dispute resolution as well as judicial effectiveness. We are eager to work alongside the Secretariat of IOMed and the IMAC in Pakistan," he stated.