International Mediation Institute Achieves Encouraging Results, First Forum in December
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The International Mediation Institute (IOMed), established with its headquarters in Hong Kong, has marked its first year with encouraging progress, expanding to 48 signatory countries and 19 contracting parties while achieving successful resolutions in complex cross-border cases. Secretary-General Teresa Cheng, the former Secretary for Justice, shared in a media interview that the organization has already attracted "return customers" who were satisfied with the services, including a notable multi-party shipping charter contract dispute involving Malaysia and Singapore. IOMed aims to transform mediation into the "preferred means" of dispute resolution and will hold its inaugural forum on December 8.
Key Points
- The International Mediation Institute has grown to 48 signatory countries and 19 contracting parties since its Hong Kong headquarters opened last year
- IOMed successfully mediated a complex multi-party shipping charter contract dispute involving Malaysia and Singapore
- "Return customers" have emerged, with one party and their lawyers already preparing new cases for IOMed's consideration
- IOMed seeks to elevate mediation from a "secondary means" to the "preferred means" of resolving international disputes
- The inaugural International Mediation Institute Forum (IOMed Forum) is scheduled for December 8, 2026, marking the organization's first annual flagship event
Why It Matters
The UNIDROIT's establishment of its Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong and its upcoming cooperation memorandum with IOMed will create synergies that further cement Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution hub . By positioning mediation as the first choice for settling cross-border disputes, IOMed contributes to building a "global mediation ecosystem" that aligns with Hong Kong's strengths in professional legal services .
The UNIDROIT's establishment of its Asia-Pacific Liaison Office in Hong Kong and its upcoming cooperation memorandum with IOMed will create synergies that further cement Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution hub . By positioning mediation as the first choice for settling cross-border disputes, IOMed contributes to building a "global mediation ecosystem" that aligns with Hong Kong's strengths in professional legal services .