IMI Hosts CMTP Townhall Meeting – October 2025 — International Mediation Institute

On 28 October 2025, the International Mediation Institute (IMI) held a virtual Townhall meeting with its network of Certified Mediator Training Programs (CMTPs).

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 Felicity Steadman (Chair, CMTP Appraisal Sub-Committee) and Federico Antich (Co-Chair, CMTP Sub-Committee), and representatives of CMTPs across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America (see full list of attendees below).

The Townhall provided an important opportunity for dialogue between IMI and its accredited training programs, serving as an open forum to share updates on IMI’s digital transformation, reflect on past progress, and gather input from CMTPs to guide the next phase of development of IMI’s international training standards.

Key Themes

Global alignment: Increasing emphasis on ensuring consistency and mutual recognition of mediator training standards across regions.
Training quality and standards: CMTPs discussed achievements and ongoing challenges in maintaining and enhancing the quality of mediator training and assessment.
Digital transformation: IMI shared updates on the development of a new website and improved systems to streamline CMTP applications and approvals.
Enhanced engagement tools: Introduction of new, user-friendly tools to support feedback and communication between CMTPs, trainers, and trainees.
Ethical and cultural standards: Updates on IMI’s Code of Conduct, Public Policy Committee, and the integration of intercultural competency into training frameworks.

A Look Back: The Appraisal Sub-Committee’s Role

From Felicity Steadman and Federico Antich’s perspective, the Townhall was an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of IMI’s certification framework.
The IMI Task Force on Mediator Training, formed in February 2016, developed the foundation documents that remain central today:

Training Standards: Recommendations
Training Program Requirements
Trainer, Coach, and Assessor Requirements

These were launched in January 2017, marking a milestone for global mediator education.

The Appraisers

The CMTP Appraisal Sub-Committee, now comprising 10 senior mediators and trainers, began assessing applications in 2019. Appraisers are experienced professionals and advocates of mediation, serving voluntarily to evaluate and audit programs against IMI’s independent criteria.

“CMTPs and QAPs are IMI’s quality gateways.” – Felicity and Federico emphasized. “They ensure that mediators worldwide are trained according to consistent, transparent, and internationally recognized standards.”

IMI currently counts 52 Certified Mediator Training Programs worldwide, spanning diverse cultural and professional contexts. The training standards were reviewed and revised in 2020 to accommodate online and hybrid models during the pandemic.

Highlights from the Townhall

Participants received updates on IMI’s digital initiatives, including the ongoing website transformation aimed at improving visibility for accredited programs and mediators. Ivana shared how new digital tools and listing features will enable greater transparency and accessibility for mediation professionals and the public alike.

Following this, Liliana presented a preliminary analysis of the CMTP Feedback Questionnaire, showing strong appreciation for IMI’s role in safeguarding quality and an expressed interest in enhanced regional collaboration and peer exchange among training providers.

During the breakout group discussions, CMTP representatives shared experiences and emerging needs in their regions. The groups identified several areas for future collaboration, including developing mentorship mechanisms, integrating digital learning tools, and co-creating practical guidance on training evaluation.

Appraisal Process

The Townhall also reinforced IMI’s dedication to a transparent and structured appraisal process. When organizations apply to become IMI Certified Mediator Training Programs, each submission is reviewed by two independent appraisers, who assess alignment with IMI’s standards and provide detailed feedback. Programs meeting all criteria are approved, while those requiring further alignment receive guidance for improvement.

This approach, Federico noted, “balances rigour with support, ensuring programs not only meet the standards but also grow stronger through the process.”

Federico Antich highlighted the importance of events like the one taking place, suggesting they demonstrate the International Mediation Institute (IMI)’s willingness to consider its future and maintain its standing as the foremost international authority. Antich observes that cross-cultural and international disputes are occurring more frequently, necessitating basic, minimum standards for mediation professionals. He strongly asserted that institutions such as IMI, which he considers to be at the very top of international mediation efforts, are crucial to maintaining this positive momentum. Ultimately, Antich conveyed an optimistic outlook, concluding that the future of mediation is bright because of opportunities for reflection and expansion.

The 2025 Townhall and feedback questionnaire are launched together with a new Training Program Requirements review cycle, ensuring their continued relevance in a fast-evolving mediation landscape. IMI plans to convene dedicated working groups to gather CMTP insights for the new website and upcoming sessions on the themes of greatest interest to the network.

Participating CMTPs

IMI extends its appreciation to the CMTPs that participated in the Townhall meeting and for sharing their valuable feedback and insights. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation.