點直播｜全球調解峰會｜5月8日

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[00:00:20]Vincy.

[00:00:30]Fore stage opportunity.

[00:01:00]on stage. They smile your face.

[00:01:22]Thank you everyone.

[00:01:42]international disputes. I believe we all look forward to the sharing of insights and experience from our distinguished speakers and panelists. to begin the summit. May we now invite the honorable John Casey Lee, GPM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region onto the stage for a special address. Mr. Lee, please.

[00:02:17]Commissioner Chun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PC in Hong Kong S. Secretary General Theresa Jen of the International Organization for Mediation.

[00:02:32]Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong and the global mediation summit for the IMAT, the international organization for mediation.

[00:02:45]Today's global gathering comes on the first anniversary of the signing ceremony for the convention on the establishment of the IMAD.

[00:02:56]The inauguration of IMAD 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.

[00:03:24]I'm pleased to note that since last October's inauguration ceremony, the number of signary states has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has gone from 8 to 13.

[00:03:43]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.

[00:04:00]And it is a great pleasure to see more than 400 leaders, policy makers, and distinguished professionals from 48 countries and regions gathered here in Hong Kong to share their invaluable experience and insights on international mediation.

[00:04:19]Hong Kong has long supported mediation.

[00:04:22]Mediation echoes concord and coexistence creating cooperation while there was conflict.

[00:04:32]Concord and coexistence are values deeply rooted in Chinese culture. They are indispensable for resolving disputes and restoring trust. They preserve relationships encouraging meaningful cooperation between disputing parties.

[00:04:53]Hong Kong is committed to becoming a global mediation capital and we are well positioned to do this. 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 centers index ranked Hong Kong third globally and first in fintech offerings, banking, finance, and insurance while claiming second place in investment management.

[00:05:38]And we top the entire Asia-Pacific region.

[00:05:43]Our status as a leading financial center 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.

[00:06:10]And now as quarters. Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and promising future.

[00:06:21]The national 15th 5-year plan, I'm pleased to note, has expressed support to IMAT 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 Organizations for Mediation. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation center. And we invite governments, companies, investors, and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMAT right here in Hong Kong.

[00:07:09]Our commitments to mediation locally and globally is clear in the five-day mediation week program that ends today with the summit. Mediation week events spotlighted disputes related to schools, sports, neighborhoods, and the elderly.

[00:07:29]The goal in each case was to apply mediation structure and skills to achieve peaceful and rational solutions to our problems.

[00:07:40]And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what today's world fraught with geopolitical tensions and disorder is desperately in need of. I wish 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. Thank you.

[00:08:05]>> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lee, for the inspiring special address. Now, ladies and gentlemen, please join me to bid farewell to the chief executive. A big round of applause to thank Mr. Chief Executive for honoring us with his presence and special address. [music] May we request our distinguished [music] guests and participants to remain seated as the chief executive takes his departure.

[00:08:48]Today's summit will feature three panel discussion sections enabling former government officials, law professionals, academics and leaders of international institutions in the field of dispute resolution from China and around the world to share their insights and experience in relation to three core themes. We shall now begin the opening segment of our summit with remarks from our distinguished guests. May we first invite Professor Theresa Jang, GBMGBSCJP, Secretary General of the International Organization for Mediation to give her opening remarks. Ladies, gentlemen, a round of applause to welcome Professor Jang.

[00:09:42]Commissioner Chay, Secretary for Justice Paul Lamb, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

[00:09:54]The Global Mediation Summit is the first major event of the International Organization for Mediation since its establishment on the 20th of October 2025.

[00:10:06]I wish to extend my warmest welcome to all of you here in Hong Kong SA.

[00:10:13]IOMED is the first intergovernmental international organization set up by a convention to promote exclusively the use of mediation.

[00:10:24]It fills an institutional gap and brings forth mediation as a true viable alternative to resolving international disputes alongside litigation and arbitration.

[00:10:38]Since its inauguration, the IOMAT has been staffed by legal officers from China, which included Secondis from the Department of Justice of Hong Kong SAR.

[00:10:49]Our headquarters are housed in the beautiful heritage building in Wanchai just behind us. You can see the photograph here, which is a landmark by its own right. I must thank again the Chinese government, including the Hong Kong SAR government, for their continuous support.

[00:11:08]We have started our first round of international recruitment and have received a lot of highly qualified and competitive applications. I am looking forward to more legal officers and staff joining us from around the globe, especially from our signary states.

[00:11:26]The two main roles of the OMAD are that of case administration and capacity building. Let me use this opportunity to highlight that we administer three types of disputes. State-to-state, investor state and international commercial.

[00:11:47]Our case administration services have been engaged and there are success stories. Mediation is nonetheless confidential and hence it is not possible for me to douch any further information without the consent of the parties and the mediators. However, do let me come back to this point later.

[00:12:10]Capacity building is one of our key mandate set out in the convention.

[00:12:16]State-to-state mediation training will be conducted first online and later in Hong Kong SAR in November. International investment mediation training will be conducted along the same lines. November will be an important time for the IMAT here in Hong Kong as apart from the training workshops which we hope to be working with other international bodies.

[00:12:42]We will also be hosting a major event and so do please join us again. Then tomorrow the very first IMAT seminar will be conducted as an Amos Bush in capacity building for delegates from our signary states where after a short presentation by the experts demonstration and discussions on how mediation should be conducted will take place at the headquarters.

[00:13:15]These cannot be achieved without a promotion and marketing strategy that aims to raise our visibility.

[00:13:23]Reaching out and welcoming inbound visits have been non-stop since our inauguration.

[00:13:29]Giving talks and speeches at numerous international events and major conferences held in Chinese mainland and overseas. meeting important international bodies, explaining our role as uh an international public good and meeting corporations to explain how mediation will be of benefit to their operations are but some of the activities that we have embarked upon.

[00:13:58]Ladies and gentlemen, let me share with you two important developments of the IMAT.

[00:14:05]First, with the consent of the parties and the mediator, I am delighted to share with you that a marime dispute was successfully resolved through mediation administered by IOMAD at our Hong Kong quarters in early May, just a few days ago. The case marks an important milestone. It is the first international maritime dispute involving a charter party chain referred to IOMAT for mediation. The matter involving parties from China and Singapore was successfully settled and resulted in a written settlement agreement bringing the disputes across the charter party chain to a full and effective conclusion.

[00:14:54]The successful resolution demonstrates the valuable the value of emicable dispute resolution and the effectiveness of mediation uh uh as a practical means of resolving complex maritime disputes. It is also a landmark achievement for IOMAT and indeed a significant moment for Hong Kong SA's maritime industry particularly its maritime legal and dispute resolution services.

[00:15:24]The mediation was conducted by Miss Rosita Laauo based in Hong Kong SA and internationally recognized shipping lawyer whose expertise contributed to the successful outcome. This achievement is one that all parties involved and indeed if I may say the international maritime common community can take right in and celebrate.

[00:15:50]The second point I wish to share is this. Aligning with Hong Kong's goal to further develop the commodities market and the intention to stupulate use of mediation in the related contracts and policy. The secretariat of IMAT is working with the Hong Kong SA government and other stakeholders to explore the establishment of a dedicated special panel of mediators for commodities market disputes under the OMAD framework. Such a special panel will provide specialized mediators across full commodities value chain from upstream to downstream activities. This move will promote use of med IMAT mediation as the prime mechanism to resolve disputes in international commodities disputes and will strengthen the market confidence and facilitate crossber transactions. We hope this will also demonstrate IOM's responsiveness to evolving needs of global commerce and international investment transactions.

[00:17:00]Let me return to today's summit before I close. We to have delegates from over 60 countries and regions totaling over a thousand people including government officials, representatives from international organizations, eminent mediators, business leaders, lawyers and academics attending both online and here in Hong Kong SAR. Today we brought together three panels of experts. The first comprised of world-class mediators with vast experience in state-to-state and investor state disputes. They are facilitators of peace who will share their wisdom and actual experience.

[00:17:46]We must however also listen to the users.

[00:17:50]The second panel therefore will be the client's voice where we will hear from international bodies like IM Aiib uh international council of Red Cross, business leader, former state official and dispute resol resolution lawyer who will tell us why mediation should be your first choice in resolving disputes.

[00:18:14]The third panel puts together representatives from international organizations who have been staunch supporters for the cause of mediation and citral exid HCC African Institute of International Law and academics who will help us to look beyond the horizon so as to develop a global mediation system.

[00:18:40]Last but not the least, I must take this opportunity to thank our our key sponsors, strategic partners and supporting organizations. Without their support, uh this event would not have been m able to materialize. I must also thank all my colleagues in the IO mat in particular Lway Sabrina Huang uh Suki Lamb and Amber Quark who have dedicated a lot of their time and sleepless nights in making the event here uh enjoyable and fruitful to all of you. So with that I must stop and allow you to hear from our distinguished experts and I wish you all a pleasant time in Hong Kong SA.

[00:19:27]Thank you.

[00:19:28]>> Thank you.

[00:19:32]Thank you, Professor Jang. Please be seated.

[00:19:35]Once again, welcome everyone to the Global Mediation Summit, the first major event of IOMAT since its establishment.

[00:19:44]May we now invite Mr. Toy, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to deliver the opening remarks. Mr. Toy, please. Ambassador Lily Bat, Director General, Secretary General Teresa Chen, Secretary Paul Lang, the Tincock, Council Generals, distinguished guests, dear friends, it is my great pleasure to join you here in Hong Kong in this beautiful season of growth and renewal.

[00:20:35]Please accept our heartfelt congratulations on the opening of the global mediation summit and warmest welcome to all our colleagues and friends from all over the world.

[00:20:52]Ladies and gentlemen, differences and disputes are an objective reality.

[00:21:02]Non peaceful means such as force or war are not the preferred choice for resolving them.

[00:21:13]in world marked by transformation, turbulence and ongoing conflicts, peaceful means including litigation, arbitration and mediation should be the primary options for settling disputes.

[00:21:36]Litigation, arbitration and mediation are not substitutes for or exclusions of one another. Rather they complement and reinforce each other forming a diverse dispute settlement system.

[00:22:00]Today as we gather to discuss mediation a unique and a valuable means of peaceful dispute settlement. I wish to take this opportunity to share three observations.

[00:22:18]First mediation is centered on the parties to a dispute and it ensures party autonomy through free choice from procedures to results. The parties to a dispute can make their own decisions and their autonomy and the free choice are protected to the greatest extent.

[00:22:51]As it is often said, the only ones who can make a peace are the parties to the conflict themselves.

[00:23:02]The high respect for the will of the parties is precisely the unique charm of mediation in modern rule of law civilization and it is fully consistent with the spirit of multi-ateralism.

[00:23:25]Second, mediation is supported by mediators.

[00:23:32]I do believe everybody here is good mediator and it delivers winwin outcomes through professional services.

[00:23:44]Mediators have unique value in empowering others using expertise, experience and various modes and means.

[00:23:59]They mediate disputes by explaining rules and procedures, offering advisory support, communicating key concerns, and helping parties clarify disagreements, build trust, and work toward resolutions.

[00:24:22]Third, Mid Asian is led by member states and it practices international rule of law through multilateral consensus.

[00:24:36]The legal essence of mid Asian is deeply rooted in the traditional concept of harmony and the symphony. People say that oh harmony peace peace harmony. I do believe if we perform harmony we can achieve symphony. So harmony symphony is is very very important words and the concept is especially for development and peace and also represents the values of a modern international rule of law including but not limited to respect for each other, cooperation in good faith and peaceful settlements of disputes.

[00:25:27]Echoing the call of times guided by member states the median convention and the international organization for mediation IO met have come into being since the mediation convention opened for signature the number of member states have been rising up to now the OMAT has 41 signatory states and 13 contracting states. I do believe all the council general in this room. I thank you for your support and I do believe in the future you will be the founding members or contracting states.

[00:26:15]I also want to share with you UN member states. The founding me member states is 51.

[00:26:22]So I do believe in the coming three or five years and this number really could be rising.

[00:26:30]The fur of the IMAT has actively established connections with other international organizations.

[00:26:39]The circle of friends has kept expanding and it has received extensive international recognization and support.

[00:26:50]As a member of this mid Asian family, China highly commends the wise decision of your country to be a founding member of the OMAT and will work with all member states to support the OMAT to advance and thrive.

[00:27:12]Ladies and gentlemen, the OMAT is the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated exclusively to settling international disputes and commercial disputes through mediation.

[00:27:30]It is an innovative initiative in international rule of law and has great significance in his the history of international relations.

[00:27:46]Since the IOMAT was officially inaugurated under the joint efforts of the founding states and led by Secretary General Tarachen, the secretary secretariat has vigorously advanced mid Asian services and international cooperation achieving encouraging results. China commence these efforts.

[00:28:16]as the initiator and host the country of the OMAT. China will as always support its development. We welcome more countries to join the OMAT and hope that more countries and international organizations will engage in close cooperation with IOT so as to make new contributions to world peace and development and give a boost to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. To conclude, I wish the global mid Asian summit a complete success. I thank you. Thank you very much.

[00:29:09]>> Thank you.

[00:29:11]Thank you, Mr. Toy. Please be seated.

[00:29:15]Today we gather here to discuss about mediation, a unique and valuable means of peaceful dispute settlement. And now, may we invite the honorable Paul Lamb Teng Quac, GPS, SCJP, the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to deliver his opening remarks. Mr. L please, Secretary General, Professor Jang, Commissioner Choy, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. The Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Tenants Training Academy under DOJ are extremely honored to be the key sponsor of today's Global Mediation Summit organized by the International Organization for Mediation, AMAC.

[00:30:08]Time really flies. I still remember that we hosted the signing ceremony of the convention on the establishment of the IMAC on 30th of May last year. Shortly after that, we completed the conversion of the old oneai police station into the ALMAC headquarters and on the 20th of October last year, the formal inauguration and the first governing council meeting of ALMAC were held. Is indeed remarkable that within less than a year following the signing of the convention, the number of signitaries have increased to 41 of which 13 had ratified the convention and hence become contracting states.

[00:30:52]The Hong Kong government in particular the devout justice the DOJ will continue to support the work of ARMAC in different ways. First, it will be responsible for the maintenance of the headquarters.

[00:31:06]Second, DOJ will continue to secon Hong Kong legal professionals to the IMAC secretariat and since 2023, DOJ has already seconed a total of four council to assist in the establishment of the IMAC.

[00:31:22]Third, the government will actively promote the use of our MAC mediation by among other things taking the lead to procure the inclusion of an IMAC mediation cross in suitable international agreements to which the Hong Kong government is a party.

[00:31:39]Furthermore, we are at the preparatory stage of the construction of an entirely new Hong Kong International Legal Services building which will be located adjacent to the ALMAT headquarters.

[00:31:51]In addition to the provision of training and dispute resolution facilities, space has been reserved for the IMAC in anticipation of its future needs.

[00:32:03]I venture to say that Hong Kong provide the ideal ecosystem for the conduct of international mediation under IMAC. To begin with, Hong Kong is well recognized as a leading international legal and dispute resolution service center.

[00:32:18]Indeed, one of the mandates stated in the national 155-year plan is that Hong Kong shall strengthen its status in this respect.

[00:32:28]And to be more specific on mediation, Hong Kong aims at establishing itself as the global capital of mediation.

[00:32:37]Back in 2009, the DOJ launched a mediate first pledge campaign. The pledge is a non-legally binding statement of commitment by pledges to first explore the use of mediation to resolve dispute before resorting to other means of dispute resolution.

[00:32:56]Today, over 1,000 companies, organizations or associations and individuals have signed the pledge.

[00:33:05]Since 2012, DOJ has been organizing the mediation week bianually to promote the wider use of mediation in Hong Kong. Today's summit in is indeed the finale of this year's mediation week. On the 6th of November 2024, DOJ issued a policy statement on the incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts under which the government as a matter of general policy will incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts.

[00:33:40]The policy has taken effect since the 6th of February 2025.

[00:33:46]The working group on mediation regulatory system established by the DOJ in October 2024 has already completed a comprehensive review and made a series of recommendations including a proposal to introduce legislative amendments to mediation ordinance. DOJ will take forward the legislative amendment work in the second half of 2026.

[00:34:10]Furthermore, capacity programs offered by the Hong Kong International Legal Tunnence Training Academy set up by DOJ in late 2024 would include mediation wherever appropriate.

[00:34:22]One of Hong Kong's strength is a strong pool of legal professionals who are proficient and experienced international dispute resolution.

[00:34:31]is noteworthy that 10 of the 24 mediators vaccinated by China to IMAX general panel of mediators come from Hong Kong.

[00:34:41]And let us not forget that Hong Kong is located in the heart of Asia and within a fivehour flight for half of the world's population is an international cosmopolitan which offers a safe, inclusive and friendly environment to people coming from other parts of the world. So all in all, we are very confident that our MAC with its headquarter in Hong Kong will make significant contributions to the international rule of law. The Hong Kong government, in particular, the DOJ will continue to do its utmost to promote and support the work of our MAC in the future. And on this note, ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a very and most constructive summit. Thank you very much.

[00:35:31]>> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lamb. Please be seated.

[00:35:36]Hong Kong has long supported mediation.

[00:35:39]And now, let's move forward to the keynote speeches of the opening segment.

[00:35:44]It is our honor to first invite his excellency Willie Bat, vice chairperson of the OMAD governing council, ambassador of Kenya to China to deliver his keynote speech. Ambassador Bat, please.

[00:36:07]the leadership of Hong Kong, Secretary General Teresa Chang, colleagues from Secretary and Contracting States.

[00:36:20]I think it is a big honor to me coming back to Hong Kong after officially launching just the other day.

[00:36:28]It's my profound honor to address this historic gathering, the first mediation conference of the International Organization for Mediation hosted in this vibrant rulebased city of Hong Kong. Your presence here despite the global headwinds is a powerful testament to our shared belief that dialogue not discord must shape our common testimony.

[00:37:00]Today we will walk through the journey of which has taken from conceptualization to operationalization and reflect and apply our thoughts on three major focus areas during this global summit.

[00:37:22]As we appreciate the role of IMT, let us recognize the fact that IMET was not born in comfort.

[00:37:30]It was born in a wall fracked by protracted state to state conflicts as such in in infested state disputes and a growing realization that litigation and arbitration while indispensable often leaves parties with winners and losers and also broken relationships.

[00:37:59]The bright and thoughtful process that led to our founding rested on a simple yet radical premise. Mediation should not be an afterthought.

[00:38:09]It should be a primary, parallel or preventive tool. It comes about after realizing that the existing dispute resolution architecture lack dedicated treaty based intergovernmental organization.

[00:38:26]IOMET was thus positioned as a permanent neutral and expert-driven body.

[00:38:35]Today, focusing on three areas of action, we will realize that mediation is not merely a technique. It is a breach across civilizations.

[00:38:45]When mediation between states and divergent historical narratives, the mediator's role is to translate not just words. We are looking at values, fears and aspirations.

[00:38:58]It becomes the work of our mediators therefore to bridge the cultural gap.

[00:39:05]Mediators therefore as we would learn today through our panel discussions should identify underlying needs of the disputants.

[00:39:17]Well trained mediators are required to reframe positions without humiliation.

[00:39:23]Mediators as well should appreciate the cultural differences. We know we come from different diverse backgrounds and this is what litigation and arbitration has never taken into place in all dispute resolution mechanisms. And therefore mediation sits in a very unique place where unique interests are taken into account when dispute resolution is being conducted.

[00:39:53]Building trust for example is key because is if disputants are supposed to agree among themselves because mediation is not being decided or decision imposed by anybody. It is the disputants who will agree to settle [snorts] the matter and for that to happen trust has to be built among the disputants. Therefore, the mediating team has a big responsibility to build trust among the disputants so that uh successful resolution like what our SG has told us today could happen. We want to applaud for making the first successful mediation process and I was expecting everybody when SG mentioned that to abloud. So can we do it uh even after that uh thank you. It is really gratifying to realize a body started just five months ago is already hitting the road running and resolving disputes through mediation.

[00:41:08]Location of Hong Kong is critical. It is critical because of its background. It is critical because of it multi- ethnicity kind of environment. And so a location for mediation is so important and we are lucky as I to have had Hong Kong s as our location. It should be a place where the disputants feel comfortable when they are sorting their issues.

[00:41:39]Now why state investors choose mediation? I know the panel discussion will dive into this.

[00:41:48]And why should mediation be the first choice?

[00:41:52]In most cases, we have seen litigation and arbitration taking the first choice and then in the process people realize that's taken too much time and then they refer back to mediation. What we want to reposition is the fact that mediation should be the first choice before the other dispute resolution mechanisms.

[00:42:17]distinguished uh experts will dive into this. The answer is simple. Mediation aligns with modern risk management and relationships. We must remember the fundamental truth about mediation is its ancient nature. Its origin is preleal and rooted in the very fabric of human communication. Before formal courts and complex treaties, societies resolve disputes through impartial third parties. Mediation's role is not new. It is primodial. Its tool for finding shared meaning when dialogue is broken down. We are not reinventing the wheel.

[00:43:02]We are facitating and institutionalizing its power on global scale. We recognize that purely adversarial legal system cannot alone manage complexities of modern independent states.

[00:43:18]Let us look at states for example. Their main concern in any dispute resolution is issues of sovereignity.

[00:43:29]When we call legalist, the issues of sovereignity is put at the back burner while the basic integral part of every nation is its sovereignity. And so mediation is clear and keen to ensure that sovereignity of states are not injured when dispute resolution is being conducted.

[00:43:55]The other issue is cost effectiveness.

[00:43:58]We know mediation has is um legal disputes through legalis and arbitration has been very expensive and so mediation has come in handy to try to reduce the cost of dispute resolution.

[00:44:17]Not only the cost but also the cost in terms of time. Legal disputes take far much too long and mediation will handle matters in a more shorter manner.

[00:44:32]Reputation is also a very important aspect which mediation protect. Every human being, every state, every investor would want to preserve their reputation.

[00:44:44]And so when dispute resolution is handled in a manner where reputation is intact that would be the best form of dispute resolution.

[00:44:54]What we have also seen is implementation rate of arbitrated cases is very high.

[00:45:02]Very high because the disputants are contributing to the solution. While legal issues which has been imposed because of laws and rules becomes an issue even when um implementation comes to question. And therefore we have every reason and we look forward at the discussions today to delve more into this. Looking at investors for example as an investor whenever there is a dispute resolution your main concern is to have it dispensed to it as soon as possible. And therefore we have had investment legal cases which run for years. And therefore we really thank IMET and mediation in itself for coming up with uh investment state dispute resolution as one of the key um mandates of IOT. We will see more of speedy resolution of cases. We also leave room when mediation happens to more innovative ways of solving the problem not a straight jacket kind of dispute resolution.

[00:46:24]Why then should mediation be the first choice and not an alternative?

[00:46:32]Waiting until dispute escalates making settlement harder.

[00:46:39]Going to court and then realizing that it could have been sorted out through mediation will make it even harder.

[00:46:46]I met promotes tired clauses.

[00:46:51]In contrast in contracts first negotiate, then mediate, then if need be arbitrate and have litigation as the last resort. And how do we do this? By embedding mediation as a par resolution mechanism.

[00:47:08]How much of our contracts embed mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism? We sign various contracts in our course of life. Both state-to-state investors commercial undertakings we sign contracts.

[00:47:28]But how many of those contracts have mediation as a dispute resolution?

[00:47:36]For sure it is still negligible in the world at the moment. We find uh arbitration and they even specify where the arbitration will take place in most cases. I've taken B in quite a number and it has not been funny. So what we call a bon from perspective is that the wall and corporates should now incorporate mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism and be embedded in our contracts and all other uh mechanisms of dispute resolution.

[00:48:12]So we are not building a wall where mediation replaces all other conflict resolution mechanisms. We are building an ecosystem. A global medi mediation structure should look like a supportive network, not just a central bureau. It should include robust training for new generations of mediators. Clear ethical standards, mechanisms for enforcement of mediated settlement agreements and comprehensive support system through data research and shared best practice like what we are doing today. IMAT as the first major international organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation must be the cornerstone of this structure. It must be the hub of connectivity supporting and linking national institutions and practitioners to make mediation visible for more people and more countries.

[00:49:09]has put in place a four part ecosystem legal infrastructure by creating a compelling argument for its value. We must show that mediation strengthens rather than weakens the rule of law. It makes justice more accessible and dispute resolution less source uh of instability. We must advocate for legal changes that support mediation process as contracting states as states who have signed the mediation to IOT. I think our next move is to ensure that we influence our legal system that it supports mediation as a process.

[00:50:00]In Kenya for example, any case which goes to court, a judge determines and sees this is a case which can be handled through mediation and it is taken back for mediation. I think we should institutionalize the issues of of mediation even in our legal system.

[00:50:23]We should then model the laws and protocols for enforcing for enforcing mediated settlements agreements ac across borders complementing the other conventions in the conflict resolution mechanisms. The convention's purpose is to make mediation settlements enforcible internationally by providing a global legal framework.

[00:50:44]The whole mediation architecture which needs to be built across the world is also to give it confidence by ensuring that settlements are actually enforceable.

[00:50:58]And so the key thing to create this legal ecosystem of mediation and to entrrench it globally is to uh to make it enforceable.

[00:51:10]The other attire is financial accessibility.

[00:51:15]We want to thank Iomed because the principle of IMED is to make access to fairness and legal dispute resolution accessible because it is affordable.

[00:51:30]The other issue is capacity building and this has been said by secretary general that capacity building is a hallmark is another tier inomet where we want to capacity build because it's a new field and it is a field where key issues has to be taken into account before mediation. So capacity building is critical and IOME has made it itself made itself to ensure that capacity building becomes a serious tire and also the digital platform which has been created so that arbitration can at the same time be undertaken even factually.

[00:52:09]I think this will be a breakthrough when mediation can be undertaken across the world even in a factual manner.

[00:52:17]Excellencies, we all know that legal disputes have been very expensive and therefore high has made it cost effective as I have said has made um dispute resolution within reach for many uh disputants and has created a homegrown solution.

[00:52:47]Because again through mediation the solution should be om. It should be um it should be um solutions which you can identify with.

[00:53:00]And in conclusion ladies and gentlemen as we commence our discussions today my wish is simple that you leave Hong Kong not with more documents but with more conviction.

[00:53:13]Conviction that mediation can stop wars before they start. Conviction that investors and states can sit across the same table. And conviction that global mediation ecosystem is possible and that I is the rightful architect.

[00:53:29]Let our discussions be robust and our outcomes actionable.

[00:53:34]Let be the hope of dispute resolution.

[00:53:39]May this summit bear fruit for peace and justice for the world. I thank you.

[00:53:46]>> Thank you.

[00:53:48]Thank you, Ambassador Bat for the keynote speech. Please be seated.

[00:53:55]It is our honor to now invite Mr. Tahai, Director General of the Treaty and Law Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China to deliver his keynote speech. The topic that Mr. Chi is going to deliver is viewing the international organization for mediation from a developmental perspective. [music] A round of applause for Mr. Chi.

[00:54:35]and dear friends, it is my great honor to speak on behalf of the foreign ministry of China at this global mediation summit as we mark the first anniversary of the signing of theat convention.

[00:54:55]This summit provides a good opportunity to take stock of the progress of the IMAT and jointly chart the course for the future of international mediation.

[00:55:10]And I thank the IMAT for organizing this great event also co-sponsored by the Department of Justice of Hong Kong S and other institutions and also I thank Secretary General Madame Terresa Chen for informing us as member states the many great achievements made by the Mad Secretariat in just a couple of months and we are very encouraged.

[00:55:41]Looking back on history, the evolution of human society endured centuries of devastation caused by war until the H peace conference at the end of the 19th century adopted the convention for the Pacific settlement of international disputes stipulating that states should opivate as as far as possible recourse to force in relations between states. At the same conference, the permanent court of arbitration PCA was established to advance the Pacific settlement of international disputes.

[00:56:29]Thereafter, in the following decades, humanity solemnly renounced war as an instrument of national policy in the landmark Pact of Paris in 1928, agreeing that the settlement of all disputes or conflicts should never be sought except by Pacific means.

[00:56:58]However, peaceful means such as negotiation, litigation, and arbitration only gained real institutional footing after the Second World War with the establishment of international bodies including the ICJ, WTO, dispute settlement mechanisms and other tribunals and arbitral institutions.

[00:57:27]This transition from war to peaceful means took a long time. Likewise, shaping a culture of mediation will not be accomplished overnight.

[00:57:41]Yet this transformation is very necessary given the global challenges have become more complex, interconnected and politically sensitive that the nature of international disputes increasingly calls for consensual and flexible solutions.

[00:58:05]Mediation by emphasizing dialogue and mutual interests helps preserve relationships, rebuild trust, and achieve win-win outcomes. Distinguished guests and friends, mediation also reflects the ancient human wisdom embodied in the idea that each gets what is due and it upholds the principle of harmony. Unlike zero sum and adversarial approaches, mediation fully respects the will of all parties is more likely to produce mutually acceptable outcomes.

[00:58:51]Major international dispute settlement institutions such as Exit, Witra and PCA have all developed mediation frameworks while bilateral and regional trade agreements increasingly include mediation clauses.

[00:59:10]Mediation has thus become an important complement to the existing dispute settlement mechanisms.

[00:59:19]>> [clears throat] >> Against this backdrop, China and like-minded countries jointly initiate the IMAT, filling an institutional gap in international mediation.

[00:59:31]As an intergovernmental organization, the ALMAT will bring together mediators with deep expertise in international politics, diplomacy, and international law. It combines the procedural flexibility of mediation with the institutional advantages of an intergovernmental body, offering a new platform for settling disputes among states.

[01:00:01]It also enjoys unique strengths in handling complex and sensitive international investment and commercial disputes that feature lengthy transaction chains, intricate legal relationships, and intertwined political and legal historiations.

[01:00:22][clears throat] We have witnessed theat.

[01:00:26]Sorry, excuse me. I have clear my throat. Sorry, I I talked too much yesterday.

[01:00:30]many colleagues. Uh we have witnessed the IMAT uh has achieved a leap forward development rarely seen in this history of international organizations.

[01:00:42]Within just a few months, the convention has entered into force and the organization has been established with founding members expanding to 41 countries across nearly all continents.

[01:00:57]This demonstrates that IMAT aligns with the course of history responds to the needs of our time and has received broad support from the international society.

[01:01:11]A distinguished guests and friends at the same time we are fully aware that the IMAD is still in its infancy.

[01:01:20]History shows that international dispute settlement institutions require time to mature. Even today's most established bodies such as the ICJ, PCA, it loss and exit handled relatively few cases in their early years. Thank you very much.

[01:01:52]It takes sustained development for such institutions to build credibility and earn global trust. Moreover, unlike litigation and arbitration, international mediation is still evolving. On the one hand, the enforcibility of settlement agreements largely depends on the will of the parties with limited legal means ensuring compliance.

[01:02:23]On the other hand, the Singapore Convention on Mediation has yet to achieve universal participation which limits the crossber enforcement of mediated settlement agreements.

[01:02:36]In addition, given its consensual nature, mediation may sometimes fail to produce a settlement. And even after an agreement is reached, disputes may still proceed to arbitration to litigation under certain circumstances.

[01:02:55]Nevertheless, as a rule of nature, contradictions and challenges often drive progress.

[01:03:04]We should view the IMAD from a developmental perspective.

[01:03:09]Let us strengthen our confidence and work together to nurture this very carefully planted sapling helping it to grow steadily and robustly.

[01:03:24]This summit provides an excellent platform for distinguished participants, leading figures in international dispute settlement to share insights and contribute ideas for the development of theat.

[01:03:41]Distinguished guests and friends, as one of the initiating states and the host country, China remains firmly committed to supporting the IMAT.

[01:03:55]China will continue to provide financial assistance to help developing countries to resolve their international disputes through the ALMAT. And we encourage our founding members and other interested states to make use of this assistance to resolve their issues through IOMAT.

[01:04:20]At the same time, China also looks forward to more ratifications of this convention and welcomes the participation of more states and actually we are expecting a couple of moreations in the coming days. So together we can foster an ecosystem that values, understands, and applies mediation with the aim of transforming conflict into cooperation, ensuring a future defined by peace, fairness, and an equitable share of common prosperity for each and everyone.

[01:05:01]I thank you.

[01:05:02]>> Thank you.

[01:05:04]Thank you, Mrs. T. Please be seated.

[01:05:10]Your excellencies, distinguished guests, and delegates. Ladies, gentlemen, that concludes our opening section of today's summit.