The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) today (Sept. 24) held the first session of its new Global Series — a fireside chat on Hong Kong's mediation journey — at its headquarters in Wan Chai. Moderated by IOMed Secretary-General, Prof. Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, SC, JP, the session featured Mr Paul Lam Ting-kwok, GBS, SC, JP, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Government, and Mr Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung, SC, IOMed mediator and former Secretary for Justice.
The session examined how Hong Kong has developed mediation into a cornerstone of its dispute resolution ecosystem — culminating in the establishment of IOMed, the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, in the city.
A global stage, starting from Hong Kong
Prof. Cheng said the Global Series is designed to promote mediation from IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong while reaching audiences worldwide, with sessions live-streamed to IOMed member states and beyond. Recalling early chapters of Hong Kong's mediation story, she noted mediation had been discussed in the city since the 1980s, and that the Government turned to mediation to help address investor grievances arising from the Lehman Brothers crisis. She added that the siting of IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong is an affirmation by member states of the city's strengths.
Why Hong Kong: an 18-month race against time
Recounting IOMed's establishment, he explained that, with the agreement of state parties and strong support from the Central Government, Hong Kong's proposal to host the headquarters was endorsed in early 2024 — leaving only about 18 months to deliver a ready headquarters by mid-2025. The former Wan Chai Police Station, a Grade II historic building built in 1932, was identified as the ideal site. He described the challenges of converting the heritage building and the design philosophy behind it: subtle Chinese elements and mediation rooms in distinct colours, reflecting the values of tolerance, diversity and peace. He also outlined efforts to harmonise mediation standards, including Greater Bay Area (GBA) mediator accreditation arrangements.
A pioneer in mediation legislation
Mr Yuen traced the modern history of mediation in Hong Kong, from civil justice reform to the legal profession's promotion of the practice, which place Hong Kong among the first jurisdictions in Asia to enact such laws.
The session closed with the three speakers agreeing that mediation has become a defining feature of Hong Kong's dispute resolution ecosystem, and that IOMed's presence opens a new chapter for the peaceful settlement of international disputes through dialogue.
About IOMed: The International Organization for Mediation is the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. Its Hong Kong headquarters, housed in the former Wan Chai Police Station, was inaugurated on 20 October 2025.
（Reporter: Lynn Zhou）
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