Mediation Public Policy Committee

In 2025, the IMI Board voted to establish the IMI Mediation Public Policy Committee to carry out the following tasks, with Terms of Reference as confirmed by the members of the Mediation Public Policy Committee.

Table Of Contents
  1. Terms of Reference
  2. Members

Terms of Reference

I. Background

IMI Mediation Public Policy Committee (hereinafter: “MPPC”) was established to promote the integration of mediation into public policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks, and governmental organizational practices on a global scale. Mediation is a negotiation facilitated by a trusted neutral person and is often a faster, cheaper, and better way of resolving disputes. By educating policy makers concerning the benefits of adopting mediation as a preferred first step for resolving disputes and helping them to define their criteria for the selection of appropriate certified mediators, the MPPC aims to enhance the recourse to professional mediators and mediation bodies for effective conflict resolution within and between states intergovernmental and public international organizations, thereby establishing mediation not only as a best practice but also as a benchmark for the private sector.

It is understood and recognized that mediation is a process that can be applied in diverse cultures, businesses, local communities, and sociopolitical arenas. The process of mediation allows parties in conflict to directly engage in negotiated solutions, with consequent societal and economic benefits to all stakeholders. The goal is to assist policy makers in understanding the benefits of using mediation and to provide policy makers with tools to implement effective mediation policies.

II. Objectives

The primary objectives of the MPPC include:

1. International Representation: Secure a permanent or observing seat on relevant committees within international and intergovernmental organizations to assist mediation policy decisions (refer here for the list of relevant organizations).

2. Adoption of Mediation Policies: Promoting the adoption of effective mediation policies in governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and supporting the use of mediation as a means to resolve all manner of societal, community, governmental and inter-governmental disputes.

3. Mediation Clause Advocacy: Promoting the inclusion of appropriate mediation clauses in government contracts with commercial enterprises, individual experts, non-governmental organisations, and intergovernmental organizations. Promoting the inclusion of mediation clauses in treaties and other inter-statal and para-statal agreements.

4. Quality Assurance in Mediation: Drafting and sharing best practices with policy makers and others regarding the use and benefits of working with independent mediator qualifying bodies and the adoption of effective mediation policies, both internally and externally.

5. International Legislative Support: Providing educational assistance in support of the possible ratification and implementation of the Singapore Convention on Mediation; providing educational assistance in support of what amendments can be made to existing domestic and regional mediation legislation.

6. Global Educational Opportunities: Identifying and leveraging global opportunities to educate policy makers and enhance the position and recognition of mediators, mediation bodies and mediation processes.

7. Strategic Partnerships and Outreach: Coordinating outreach efforts and form strategic partnerships to influence policies, shield laws, and other regulations positively affecting mediators and the mediation process.

8. Strategy and Resource Management: Developing a coordinated strategy for resource management, including securing professional legal, lobbying, and related services to support the committee’s goals.

III. Deliverables

The committee is responsible for the following deliverables:

1. Policy Report: Biennial reports detailing the committee’s outreach and efforts including any results in securing seats on relevant international platforms and changes in contractual, regulatory and legislative frameworks.

2. Mediation Advocacy Toolkit: A comprehensive good practice toolkit for organizations and public bodies, providing guidance on incorporating mediation into contracts, regulatory frameworks and legislation, as well as providing guidance for the adoption of mediation policies.

3. Singapore Convention Support: A plan for educating policy makers concerning the Singapore Convention’s and other relevant international and national legislation on mediation.

4. Global Strategy: A strategy document identifying key opportunities for furthering the effective use of mediation and qualified mediators globally.

5. Partnership and Outreach Strategy: A detailed strategy for engaging in outreach and forming partnerships with like-minded organizations aimed at positive mediation policy change. The committee will prepare promotional materials that explain the benefits of mediation to various organizations.

6. Resource Management Plan: A plan outlining the approach for securing and managing resources necessary to achieve the committee’s goals, including a list of needed professional services and a strategy for engaging these services effectively.

In line with the IMI’s mission, the MPPC should not offer or provide training for the development and/or the implementation of mediation public policies.

IMI_Mediation Public_Policy_Committee_ToR_Sep_2025Download

Members

Join the Committee

IMI is actively seeking new members to join the Mediation Public Policy Committee. If you are interested in this initiative, please complete the form below to express your interest. Your answers will help us understand your expertise and project ideas that can contribute to the Committee’s mission.

Submit Your Expression of Interest via This Form

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