Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
ZIMBABWE has joined 31 other countries in signing the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation aimed at enhancing dialogue in conflict resolution.
The organisation to be hosted by Hong Kong is expected to establish the world’s first intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated to resolving all international disputes peacefully, in line with the guiding, cardinal values espoused in the United Nations Charter.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr Li Junhua says the convention resonates strongly with the spirit and principles of the UN Charter and the UN’s pursuit of peace, sustainable development and the rule of law.
“Pact for the Future, adopted last September, reaffirmed our commitment to preventive diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful settlement of disputes. This Convention, therefore, resonates strongly with the spirit and principles of the UN Charter and the UN’s pursuit of peace, sustainable development, and the rule of law. Today’s ceremony is timely, amidst heightened geopolitical tension, backslides on SDGs, and increased scepticism for global collaboration,” he said.
“Rising trade barriers cuts to foreign aid, and systemic challenges have all jeopardised the global stability and development gains. Therefore, effective, accessible, and peaceful disputed resolutions remain critical. Mediation offers a proven path forward, rooted in dialogue, understanding, trust, and compromise. It empowers parties to craft solutions that address not only the symptoms of the conflict but also their root causes.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Honourable Wang Yi, weighed in saying resolving conflicts through dialogue and mediating disputes through consultation is a common value and aspiration of all major civilisations in the world.
“The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMED) is an example of a civilisational belief in harmony. Resolving conflicts through dialogue and mediating disputes through consultation is a common value and aspiration of all major civilizations in the world. The birth of the IOMED can help transcend the you-lose-I-zero-sum mentality, promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and foster more harmonious international relations.
“The establishment of the IOMED is an epitome of inclusiveness in the culture of the rule of law. It incorporates the very best of major legal systems, respects the wishes of parties concerned, and draws upon the strengths of being more flexible, cost-effective, convenient, and efficient. It will complement and form synergy with litigation, arbitration, and other existing international dispute settlement mechanisms.”
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira welcomed the move expressing the government’s commitment to addressing global problems peacefully.
“Zimbabwe supports President Xi Jinping’s concept of the IOMED, which aims to address global problems peacefully. We stand in one accord with the Government of the People’s Republic of China in hosting the signing ceremony of the IOMed Convention, as a critical pillar of fostering global governance. Zimbabwe rallies behind the establishment of the IOMed Convention and our Government is committed to making this convention a success,” he said
“It is surely a desirable vehicle to advance the global imperatives of the rule of law, which will provide a new platform for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and make all nations prosperous, happy and live fulfilling lives. The Convention upholds the spirit of peace; the spirit of progress; the spirit of openness, the spirit of cooperation; inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Zimbabwe remains confident that the IOMed will achieve positive results through pragmatic and mutual coexistence, which will eventually attract all progressive countries of the world.”
Zimbabwe and China held bilateral discussions on issues relating to exchange programmes between Harare and Beijing, on the sidelines of the convention launch.
