Hong Kong Becomes HQ of World’s First Global Mediation Body
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The world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated solely to resolving international disputes through mediation — the International Mediation Institute (IMI) — was officially established on Friday in Hong Kong, which will be its home.
The signing ceremony drew representatives from 32 founding member countries, more than 50 additional nations and around 20 international organizations. Founding members include China, Algeria, Belarus, Cambodia, Venezuela and Cuba. The convention seeks to establish a new legal framework for resolving cross-border disputes through mediation rather than litigation or arbitration.
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- The International Mediation Institute (IMI), the first intergovernmental body focused solely on mediation, was established in Hong Kong with 32 founding member nations and support from over 50 additional countries.
- IMI aims to provide a legal framework for resolving cross-border disputes through mediation, complementing existing courts and arbitral bodies.
- Hong Kong’s legal reputation and capacity were cited as reasons for the city’s selection as IMI headquarters, expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
- White & Case LLP
- According to the article, White & Case LLP is referenced in relation to the International Arbitration Survey, which it conducts jointly with Queen Mary University of London. The survey ranked Hong Kong as the world’s second most preferred arbitration venue, tying with Singapore. No further details about White & Case LLP are provided in the article.
- Late 2022：
- The idea for the International Mediation Institute (IMI) was initiated by China.
- 2022 to 2025：
- Five rounds of negotiations involving around 20 countries took place to form the IMI.
- 2023：
- The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre handled 281 arbitration cases with a record total dispute value of HK$92.8 billion ($11.9 billion).
- 2024：
- The latest International Arbitration Survey by White & Case LLP and Queen Mary University of London ranked Hong Kong second among the world's most preferred arbitration venues.
- May 30, 2025：
- The International Mediation Institute (IMI), the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated solely to resolving international disputes through mediation, was officially established in Hong Kong.
- May 30, 2025：
- A signing ceremony for the IMI was held in Hong Kong, attended by representatives from 32 founding member countries, more than 50 additional nations, and around 20 international organizations.
- May 30, 2025：
- Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, described the IMI as a vital step in global mediation.
- May 30, 2025：
- Cheung Kwok-kwan stated that the IMI will stand as a new pillar of international dispute resolution.
- May 30, 2025：
- John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, gave a keynote speech framing the IMI as a response to protectionism and unilateralism.
- May 30, 2025：
- Paul Lam, Hong Kong's justice secretary, confirmed that signatory states would begin drafting the IMI’s operational framework.
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