On July 18, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna and the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) Preparatory Office co-hosted a promotional reception for the IOMed at the UN Office in Vienna on the sidelines of the 58th Session of the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The event drew over 150 attendees, including Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna Ambassador Li Song, Secretary of UNCITRAL Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Co-Chair of the Asian Academy of International Law Prof. Teresa Cheng, Director-General of the IOMed Preparatory Office Dr. Sun Jin, senior diplomats from Vienna-based missions, delegates to the UNCITRAL Commission Session, and representatives of international institutions.
In his remarks, Ambassador Li Song underscored that mediation, as is stipulated in the UN Charter, is one of the first means that should be tried in seeking peaceful solutions to international disputes, yet there had not been an intergovernmental legal organization in this field since the founding of the UN 80 years ago. The IOMed will fill this institutional gap and serve as an important public good in the field of the rule of law for better global governance. It embodies a civilizational belief in harmony and can help transcend the “you-lose-I-win” zero-sum mentality, promote amicable settlement of international disputes, and foster more harmonious international relations. It is also an epitome of inclusiveness in the culture of the rule of law, which will complement and form synergies with existing international dispute settlement mechanisms. The IOMed represents a new contribution made by China and all participating parties to promote true multilateralism, and an innovative step in international rule of law. It has great significance in the history of international relations. Ambassador Li also noted that China will continue to advocate resolving differences in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, building consensus via dialogue and consultation, promoting development through win-win cooperation, and seeking solutions with a future-oriented perspective, actively explore ways of hotspot issue settlement that carry the Chinese touch, and lend its thoughts to countries hoping to resolve disagreements with others.
Director-General Sun Jin gave the audience a comprehensive and detailed introduction of the IOMed, including the progress in establishing the Organization, its scope of cases, selection of mediators, as well as the procedure and features of mediation. He also encouraged new parties to join the cause of the IOMed to build a more harmonious and peaceful world through mediation.
Secretary Anna Joubin-Bret noted in her remarks that she had the opportunity to witness the IOMed Convention signing ceremony in Hong Kong in May, applauds this important progress in the establishment of the IOMed, and looks forward to seeing the IOMed play an active role for peaceful settlement of international disputes. She expressed hope for enhanced collaboration between UNCITRAL and the IOMed to promote and improve international rule of law.
Drawing on her arbitrator and mediator background, Prof. Teresa Cheng highlighted the unique advantages of mediation as a means of dispute settlement, such as facilitating amicable and non-confrontational communication between the parties. She said that she is proud for Hong Kong being the host of the IOMed Headquarters, and noted that mediation has become an important component of international dispute settlement mechanisms, and the establishment of the IOMed will provide a useful platform for international mediation.
The guests acknowledged that peaceful settlement of disputes is a shared aspiration of the international community. They commended China for actively promoting the establishment of the IOMed in the current international context, which showcases China’s commitment to play a responsible and constructive role as a major country. They gained a better understanding of the IOMed through this event, and expressed hope for the Organization to synergize its strengths with other means of dispute settlement, including litigation and arbitration, and help foster peaceful cooperation, dialogue and win-win outcomes among disputing parties in the future.