China and 32 other countries signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong on Friday, creating an international legal body for alternative dispute resolution. The signing ceremony drew approximately 400 representatives from 85 countries and 20 international organizations, with the signatories becoming founding members.

Described by Beijing as the world’s first intergovernmental legal body dedicated exclusively to mediation, IOMed aims to serve as an alternative to adjudicatory bodies, such as the International Court of Justice.

Foreign Minister and a Member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Wang Yi delivered remarks at the ceremony. Wang emphasized that IOMed embodies the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as prioritizing mediation in international disputes under Article 33. Wang further noted that the initiative aims to transcend a “zero-sum” and “you-lose-I-win” mentality in global affairs.

“The establishment of the IOMed is an epitome of inclusiveness in the culture of the rule of law,” Wang said. “It incorporates the very best of major legal systems, respects the wishes of parties concerned, and draws upon the strengths of being more flexible, cost-effective, convenient and efficient.”

Hong Kong was selected as the headquarters for IOMed due to its unique “one country, two systems” framework, which Wang described as a “highly-developed legal system” that combines British common law traditions with Chinese legal principles. The model was originally established in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stated that Hong Kong would retain a “high degree of autonomy” under Beijing’s rule and reaffirmed in the 1997 British handover of Hong Kong to China.

IOMed’s headquarters will be located at the former Wan Chai Police Station, with operations expected to commence by late 2025 or early 2026.