Distinguished Guests,

Dear Friends,

Good afternoon. Welcome to the side event on“The International Organization for Mediation: A New Platform for Enhancing Global Governance under the Rule of Law”.

Three years ago, China and like-minded countries initiated the establishment of an International Organization for Mediation, with a shared vision to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes and foster friendship and cooperation among nations.

Three years later, with our collective efforts, the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation was signed in May this year, entered into force in August, and the Organization itself has started operation in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in October.

As an initiator and the host country of the IOMed (I-O-Med), China is honored to co-host today's side event with the IOMed. Together, we would like to present this new intergovernmental legal organization to UN member states and encourage more countries to join the IOMed in advancing the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

Distinguished Guests,

Ever since ancient times, peace and harmony have been cherished by the Chinese nation. As we always say in China, “以和为贵”, harmony is a top priority. Mediation has been deeply rooted in China's tradition of resolving disputes. It is also one of the preferred methods for the peaceful settlement of international disputes stipulated in the UN Charter.

As the first country to sign the Charter, as a permanent member of the Security Council, and one of the largest developing countries in the world, China has always been taking the lead in upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We believe that differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and in this process, be guided by mutual understanding and accommodation.

The creation of the IOMed reflects China's firm commitment to defending the authority and status of the UN Charter, upholding true multilateralism, and advancing international rule of law.

Here, I would like to highlight three features that, we believe, make the IOMed so special.

First, the IOMed embodies the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and thus will help maintain a stable and harmonious international order.

The UN Charter is the cornerstone of today's international system and the fundamental guidance for handling relations among countries. Its preamble calls upon all countries to “live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”.

The Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed also makes it clear that the Organization acts in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes.

As an important public good for the rule of law, the IOMed itself is a vivid embodiment of the spirit of the UN Charter. It will help resolve disputes between states, between states and foreign investors, and in international commercial matters. And in doing so, it will help enhance friendly cooperation between countries and promote the harmony of international relations and the stability of international order.

Second, the IOMed's vision is highly consistent with China's Global Governance Initiative, and thus will contribute developing countries' strength to better global governance.

Back in September, President Xi Jinping launched the Global Governance Initiative. The Initiative calls on all countries to commit to sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions, and seeks to build a more just and equitable system of global governance.

Peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation is an essential part of better global governance. The IOMed upholds the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. The Organization values fairness, justice, and equity, advocates reconciliation, cooperation, and harmony, and emphasizes a people-centered, results-oriented approach. It is committed to enhancing the participation and voice of the Global South in international dispute settlement, and making international dispute settlement mechanisms fair and beneficial to all.

Third, the IOMed focuses on real results and high efficiency, and thus will offer a valuable complement to existing dispute settlement mechanisms.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, the Organization has already developed some mediation rules and mechanisms featuring autonomy and flexibility, established a Secretariat that meets international standards, and is putting together a team of mediators that are highly professional and enjoy good international reputation

As the world's first and only intergovernmental legal organization that is exclusively devoted to mediation, the IOMed will uphold international rule of law, promote dialogue and consultation, and ensure both procedural justice and substantive justice.

With its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and efficiency, we believe the IOMed will serve as a valuable complement to existing international mechanisms and together provide stronger legal support for the cause of world peace and development.

Distinguished Guests,

The International Organization for Mediation was born in response to the needs of our times. It has already won broad attention and support across the international community, reflecting its increasing appeal and influence.

As a proud member of the IOMed family, China will continue to work closely with all member states to advance its steady development. We welcome all parties to join the IOMed, and look forward to strengthening engagement and cooperation with the UN and other international and regional organizations.

Together, let us cultivate a culture of mediation, raise the awareness of mediation, and expand access to mediation services. Let us make greater contributions to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, to the friendship and cooperation among nations, and to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Thank you.