The launch of a legal body to resolve international disputes through mediation in Hong Kong last year was a landmark. The institution, led by Beijing, is the first of its kind in the world.

Now, the organisation has resolved a dispute for the first time. It has been quick to get down to business. The settlement will be the first of many.

Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, secretary general of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), revealed that a maritime case involving parties from mainland China and Singapore was successfully concluded this month with a written settlement.

This was a timely resolution, coming just as Hong Kong’s Mediation Week was to culminate with a summit attended by 400 professionals from 48 countries and regions.

The establishment of the IOMed as a leading institution for the peaceful settlement of international disputes has been achieved quickly.

It was also revealed at the summit that there are now 41 signatories to the IOMed convention and 13 have ratified it. The progress is impressive. There are hopes that membership will reach 51 in the next three to five years.