— Speech by Wang Yi at the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the International Organization for Mediation
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Friends,
Chief Executive John Lee,
It is a great pleasure to gather with you all here in Hong Kong to attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the International Organization for Mediation. Just now, representatives from 32 countries signed the Convention, officially becoming founding members of the International Organization for Mediation. In addition, over 50 other countries and nearly 20 international organizations sent senior representatives to witness the ceremony. On behalf of the Chinese government, I extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests and heartfelt congratulations to the founding member states!
You have come from all corners of the world for one shared goal: to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes and foster friendly cooperation among nations.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. The Preamble to the UN Charter makes it clear that nations should live together in peace and maintain international peace and security. Eight decades later, as the world undergoes accelerating changes unseen in a century, President Xi Jinping has pointed out that it is natural for countries to have differences, but such differences should be properly managed through dialogue and consultation.
For a long time, China has consistently advocated addressing disagreements in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, building consensus through dialogue and consultation, promoting development through win-win cooperation, and resolving problems with a forward-looking approach. We have actively explored a uniquely Chinese approach to resolving hot-spot issues and contributed Chinese wisdom to the resolution of global disputes.
Three years ago, China and like-minded countries jointly proposed the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. After unremitting efforts, we have finally concluded the Convention on the International Organization for Mediation, which has received broad support and positive responses from the international community. As an innovative initiative in the field of international rule of law, the Organization for Mediation carries great significance in the history of international relations.
The establishment of this organization fulfills the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Article 33 of the Charter explicitly lists mediation as a priority method for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. However, until now, there has been no intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to mediation. The International Organization for Mediation is designed to mediate disputes between states, between states and foreign investors, and in international commercial matters, all based on the voluntary will of the parties involved. It will fill the institutional gap in international mediation and serve as a vital legal public good for improving global governance.
The founding of this Organization also embodies the civilizational wisdom of harmony and coexistence. Using dialogue to resolve conflicts and negotiation to settle disputes are shared values and common aspirations across all major civilizations. The birth of this Organization helps transcend the zero-sum mindset of “winner takes all,” promotes the amicable resolution of international disputes, and contributes to building more harmonious international relations.
It also showcases a legal civilization that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. By drawing on the strengths of various legal systems, respecting the will of the parties, and offering greater flexibility, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and efficiency, the Organization complements existing international dispute resolution mechanisms such as litigation and arbitration, enhancing their collective effectiveness.
Distinguished Guests,
Following consultations among the negotiating parties of the Convention, it has been agreed that Hong Kong will host the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation. The peaceful resolution of the Hong Kong issue itself is a successful example of resolving international disputes. The success of “One Country, Two Systems” has laid the foundation for a brighter future of prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.
With the strong backing of the motherland and its unique position as a global gateway, Hong Kong enjoys a favorable business environment and a highly developed legal system. It integrates the advantages of both common law and civil law traditions, giving it exceptional conditions for international mediation. Taking this opportunity, we express our gratitude to the Hong Kong SAR Government for its strong support in establishing the Organization. We are confident that this new star will grow together with the “Pearl of the Orient,” shining brightly on the global stage.
Distinguished Guests,
The International Organization for Mediation is a sapling we have planted together today. For it to grow and flourish, it requires the care and support of the international community. China hopes that all signatory countries will ratify the Convention as soon as possible and welcomes more countries to actively join.
Let us uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, follow the principles of voluntary participation, equal decision-making, and mutual benefit, respect the legitimate concerns of all parties, and achieve win-win outcomes.
Let us promote reconciliation, cooperation, and harmony, foster a culture of mediation, raise awareness of mediation, and swiftly establish a flexible, pragmatic, efficient, and world-class system of rules and mechanisms for mediation.
Let us adhere to fairness, justice, and impartiality, uphold genuine rule of law, balance procedural and substantive justice, enhance the participation of developing countries, and steer international dispute resolution mechanisms toward greater fairness and inclusiveness, thereby increasing the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance.
Let us advocate joint consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, steadily advance the organizational development of the Mediation Institution, build a team of highly professional and internationally respected mediators, and provide global services to fulfill our mission and achieve our goals through persistent efforts.
Distinguished Guests,
There is a well-known Chinese story called “The Six-Foot Alley,” which tells of neighbors who resolved a dispute through mutual compromise, each stepping back three feet to create a six-foot-wide passageway for the community. In today’s globalized world, humanity’s destinies are closely intertwined. If we wisely apply the method of mediation and address differences through mutual understanding, we can turn swords into plowshares and walls into pathways.
Let us join hands to support the International Organization for Mediation in playing a positive role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes and to create a better future for all humankind!
Thank you!
