On February 16, 2023, Foreign Minister Qin Gang delivered a video speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Preparatory Office of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

Qin Gang congratulated on the entering of a new stage in the substantive efforts to create the IOMed, saying that the IOMed will be the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, an important effort to practice the principle of settling international disputes by peaceful means enshrined in the UN Charter, and also a global public good for rule of law provided to the international community. It will transcend the limit of litigation and arbitration in which one side wins and the other loses, and present a new option to all countries for peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Qin Gang stressed the need to pool wisdom and strength, increase mutual trust and work together for an authoritative, trustworthy, efficient and professional international organization for mediation. Qin Gang put forward four suggestions on future preparatory work. First, observing the principle of mutual respect. All need to respect the sovereignty, core interests and legitimate concerns of every country. Instead of applying coercion or pressure, efforts should be made to promote equal-footed dialogue and trust between parties concerned, bridge differences and seek solutions through consultation. Second, harnessing the strength of extensive consultation and joint contribution. The IOMed should be open to all countries in the world. All need to seek common ground while reserving differences in our discussions, and work hand in hand in the development of this organization. Third, embracing openness and inclusiveness. All need to stay inclusive and draw inspirations from various civilizations and legal systems, and make the IOMed a fine example of mutual learning between different civilizations for the greater good of the cause of peace for humanity. Fourth, attaining the goal of balanced development. All need to strive for balance in geography, gender and other fields, enhance the participation of developing countries, nurture mediators from the developing world and work to make the international dispute settlement mechanism fairer and beneficial to all.

The inauguration ceremony was held in China's Hong Kong on that day. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also delivered a video speech at the ceremony. Representatives of Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, Serbia, Belarus, Sudan, Algeria, Djibouti and other signatory countries to the Joint Statement on the Future Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, and representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR government, the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong SAR and the legal community were present online or offline.