Editorial | ‘Rising star’ mediation body adds more shine to reputation of Hong Kong

The launching of the world’s first legal body dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation is a groundbreaking and much-needed development at a time of heightened global tensions.

A convention to establish the International Organisation for Mediation, based in Hong Kong, was signed by 33 countries yesterday at a ceremony attended by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and representatives of more than 80 nations, plus global bodies.

Wang said the initiative, led by China, would transcend a “zero-sum mentality” and promote the amicable resolution of international disputes.

The move reflects Beijing’s efforts to settle differences through peaceful means and is intended to bring “Chinese wisdom” to global governance at a time of instability. Wang highlighted Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, which requires states to use methods including mediation to resolve disputes.

The organisation, due to open as early as this year, will fill a gap as other leading institutions around the world focus more on litigation or arbitration.

There is growing interest in the use of mediation, where a neutral third party helps resolve differences in a way acceptable to both sides.