On 11 September 2025, the International Mediation Institute (IMI) held a virtual Townhall meeting with its network of Qualifying Assessment Programs (QAPs).
The session was coordinated by Ivana Ninčić Österle (IMI Executive Director) and Liliana Amione (IMI Head of Program Quality and Appraisal), with the participation of Tat Lim (IMI Board Chair) and representatives of QAPs across Canada, Europe, and Africa (see full list of attendees below).
Strengthening the Global QAP Network
The meeting opened with introductions and updates from QAP representatives. Participants shared experiences and challenges in mediator certification, highlighting the importance of international recognition, collaboration, and standardization to strengthen mediation practice globally.
Key Themes
- Cross-border recognition: Growing need for mutual recognition of mediator qualifications across jurisdictions.
- Standards in practice: QAPs shared progress and challenges in advancing assessment standards.
- Digital transformation: IMI outlined plans for a new website and upgraded certification systems.
- User-friendly tools: Development of a new feedback tool for mediators and clients.
- Policy & ethics: Updates on IMI’s Code of Conduct, Public Policy Committee, and intercultural competency standards.
The Townhall reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the QAP network. Another Townhall is planned for later in 2025, alongside the launch of a QAP-led webinar series to highlight diverse assessment practices worldwide.
Participating QAPs
- ADR CENTER ACADEMY
- ADR Institute of Canada – ADRIC
- CBA – Czech Bar Association
- CONCILIA (Conflict Management and ADR)
- FMC – Family Mediation Canada
- ICFML – Instituto de Certificação e Formação de Mediadores Lusófonos
- IFCM- Institut Français de Certification des Médiateurs
- MTI East Africa
- RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Among the topics discussed, an important update was IMI’s decision to evolve its credentialing scheme by removing the mandatory Feedback Digest requirement. Read the full news item below for details on these changes and their implications for mediators and clients.
