Welcome to Hong Kong, and the Global Mediation Summit of the IOMed – the International Organization for Mediation. Today’s global gathering comes on the first anniversary of the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed.
The inauguration of IOMed followed, last October, here in Hong Kong. That cheering event has placed much expectation and hope, worldwide, on the new institution and its promise of contributing to the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation – and doing so in line with the United Nations Charter.
I am pleased to note that, since last October’s inauguration ceremony, the number of signatory states has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has gone from eight to 13.
In these perilous times, when global affairs have become increasingly complex and volatile, the pursuit of peace – and peaceful resolutions – is imperative. Which makes today’s summit especially timely.
And it is a great pleasure to see more than 400 leaders, policymakers and distinguished professionals from 48 countries and regions gathered, here in Hong Kong, to share their invaluable experience and insights on international mediation.
Hong Kong has long supported mediation. Mediation echoes concord and co-existence, creating co-operation where there was conflict. Concord and co-existence are values deeply rooted in Chinese culture. They are indispensable for resolving disputes and restoring trust. They preserve relationships, encouraging meaningful co-operation between disputing parties.
Hong Kong is committed to becoming a global mediation capital, and we are well-positioned to do so.
Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is a thriving hub for international finance, shipping and trade. We benefit from our country’s strong support and the opportunities it gives us, while maintaining extensive international connectivity as a world city.
Indeed, the recent Global Financial Centres Index ranked Hong Kong third, globally, and first in fintech offerings, banking, finance and insurance, while claiming second place in investment management. And we topped the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Our status as a leading financial centre and global investment hub is reinforced by our robust rule of law and legal system, the cornerstone of our longstanding success.
Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China, our country. And our legal professionals are internationally acknowledged for their professionalism and integrity.
And now, as IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I am pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road.
And I can assure you that Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with the International Organization for Mediation. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre, and we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed, right here in Hong Kong.
Our commitment to mediation, locally and globally, is clear in the five-day Mediation Week programme that ends today with this summit. Mediation Week events spotlighted disputes related to schools, sports, neighbourhoods and the elderly. The goal in each case was to apply mediation structure and skills to achieve peaceful and rational solutions to our problems.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what today’s world, fraught with geopolitical tensions and disorder, is desperately in need of.
I wish you all a rewarding Global Mediation Summit and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. And soon enough, the world’s mediation city.
Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Global Mediation Summit on May 8.
