On May 30, 2025, the international legal landscape experienced a quiet yet potentially transformative shift. The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was officially established through a signing ceremony held in Hong Kong, with representatives from 85 nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe participating in the event. During this ceremony, 33 countries, including Pakistan, signed the convention, thereby becoming founding signatory members. This insight examines the workings and objectives of IOMed to evaluate its geopolitical importance and the implications of this new forum for countries such as Pakistan.

IOMed is the first intergovernmental organisation exclusively dedicated to the resolution of disputes through mediation. Currently, it concentrates on the peaceful resolution of three categories of disputes: state-to-state disputes; disputes between states and foreign investors; and commercial disagreements among and between parties. IOMed operates on principles such as respect for state sovereignty, equality, impartiality, non-interference in internal affairs, the rule of law and effectiveness.

Its procedural process begins with the voluntary consent of all disputing parties — usually states, corporations or individuals involved in transnational conflicts. Once the parties agree to refer their dispute to IOMed, mediators are selected from two specialised........

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