International Mediation Institute

Driving transparency and high competency standards in mediation, worldwide.

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Welcome to IMI.

IMI is a non-profit initiative driving transparency and standards in mediation, worldwide. With the Vision of Professional Mediation Worldwide: Promoting Consensus and Access to Justice, we set and achieve high mediation standards, convene stakeholders and parties, promote understanding and adoption of mediation, and disseminate skills for parties, counsel, and mediators.

Global Pound Conference

The 2016-17 IMI Global Pound Conference consisted of 28 events over 22 countries. Click here to view comparative data and reports on the future of alternative dispute resolution and mediation worldwide.

IMI is a proud supporter of the Green Pledge for Mediators.

What is mediation?

Mediation is negotiation facilitated by a trusted neutral person.

A mediator’s role

The role of the neutral — the mediator — is to help those involved sort out their issues and arrive at a consensus.  That might involve helping parties to finalise an agreement, resolve a dispute, develop effective communications, build or improve relationships, or all these things.  Mediators do not take sides. Mediators are impartial and uphold party confidentiality. Learn more >

Benefits of mediation

  1. cheaper and faster than other forms of dispute resolution, such as litigation
  2. helps to preserve and improve relationships between parties
  3. shows respect and value for the people involved in a conflict
  4. helps people get to and resolve the core of a problem
  5. can transform situations for better
  6. produces agreements that parties want to uphold
  7. IMI Certified Mediators are subject to a Code of Professional Conduct

Finding a mediator

IMI Certified Mediators and Mediation Advocates are highly-experienced professionals who have been vetted and assessed against rigorous independent international standards.

IMI Qualified Mediators have completed quality initial training and are launching their mediation career.

Learn about choosing the right mediator, and see the IMI decision tree.

Cross-border mediation

The United Nations’ “Singapore Convention” enables the cross-border enforcement of settlements resulting from mediation. View the Convention, or learn more about IMI’s work with the UN and EU.

Our Taskforce

IMI’s Investor-State Mediation Taskforce has developed Investor-State mediation competency standards, a model instrument for States implementing an Investor-State conflict management framework, and revised mediation rules and guides for provider organisations.

You may also be interested in the activities of the Intercultural Competence, Mediation Advocacy, Mixed Mode, Online Dispute Resolution, or Training and Competency Taskforces, as well as the work of our international Ethics Committee.

Read the latest

Model law

Supported by the IMI Investor-State Taskforce.

Download the ECC Model Instrument on the Management of Investment Disputes

Other languages are available on the Investor-State Taskforce page.

Programs and Certification

IMI’s independent Appraisal Committee approves quality training and assessment programs worldwide. All IMI Certification and Qualification is carried out by approved organisations. Qualifying Assessment Programs (QAPs) assess experienced mediators and mediation advocates, for the purpose of becoming IMI Certified or Specialised. Certified Mediator Training Programs (CMTPs) deliver training that meets international standards. Other organisations qualify people with ‘specialisations’, such as Intercultural Competence or Online Mediation. Learn more about applying IMI criteria or registering a quality program, and locate your closest IMI-recognised program here.

IMI Qualified Mediators

IMI Qualified Mediators have completed quality initial training and are dedicated to beginning their mediation career.

Early Career Mediators

Young Mediators are developing their practice, seeking mentorship in the Mentorship Framework and exploring IMI Specialisations.

IMI Certified Mediators

IMI Certified Mediators are highly-experienced mediators who meet international standards and have been independently vetted.

Funding and Patrons

IMI is funded by donations, including listing contributions from our mediators. Learn more about our funding here, and see below some of IMI’s patrons. As of June 2021, AAA, CEDR, the ICC, JAMS, and Shell were represented on IMI’s Board of Directors.