Zimbabwe a signatory to the Convention on the Establishment of International Organisation for Mediation

The Republic of Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Convention on the Establishment of International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) which was established on the 30 th May 2022.

The IOMed was established to promote and facilitate peaceful settlement of international disputes and to develop friendly relationships and cooperation among States through mediation.

On the 18 th March 2025 Cabinet, which is the executive branch of the Zimbabwe government, considered and approved the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). The Convention is spearheaded by the People’s Republic of China which is the first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.

Zimbabwe is therefore a signatory to the IOMed and in pursuit of the purposes and objectives of the Convention. As a signatory, Zimbabwe has an obligation to act in accordance with the following principles:

• (a) Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality, non – interference in the internal affairs of States, and commitment to international rule of law;
• (b) Ensuring party autonomy and free choice of means in dispute settlement;
• (c) Good faith and a spirit of cooperation in seeking an amicable settlement of international disputes; and
• (d) Ensuring an impartial, neutral and equitable environment that fosters flexible and efficient approach to peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation.

The IOMed Governing Council at its inaugural session on the 20 th October 2025 in Hong Kong passed a Resolution for the adoption of two types of mediation rules for use in the conduct of mediation, that is the IOMed State – to – State Mediation Rules with respect to disputes between States and the IOMed International Commercial and Investment Mediation Rules.

The Rules apply to any mediation administered by the IOMed under the Convention, including those filed under the IOMed International Commercial and Investment Mediation Rules and the IOMed State – to – State Mediation Rules. The Governing Council also adopted the IOMed Rules on Fees and Costs payable by the parties for the use of mediations services and facilities of the IOMed as well as the IOMed Code of Conduct for Mediators.