IMI Intercultural Mediator.
For experienced mediators who work across cultures — and can demonstrate it.
Cross-border disputes present unique challenges. Parties bring different expectations about process, communication, authority, and decision-making. The IMI Intercultural Mediator credential recognises practitioners who have developed the skills to navigate those differences effectively — independently assessed against international standards.
IMI Intercultural Specialised Mediator status is for experienced practitioners who have demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and practice required to meet internationally accepted standards. Certification assessed independently by an IMI-approved Intercultural Qualifying Assessment Program (ICQAP), giving clients and institutions confidence that your credentials have been verified.
Eligibility.
At least 200 hours of mediation practice, or at least 20 mediations conducted as the mediator.
Successful completion of an approved Intercultural Qualifying Assessment Program (ICQAP).
Commitment to the IMI Code of Professional Conduct.
Competency Criteria.
Knowledge
Cultural Framework(s): Ability to apply at least one recognised cultural theory in order to identify relevant Cultural Focus Areas for facilitating inter-cultural mediations (see below). The theory and approach shall include an appreciation of similarities and differences among cultures.
Self-awareness: Ability to recognise one’s own cultural influences and their possible effect on the mediation.
Multi-Cultural Perspectives: Ability to recognise each participant’s culturally-shaped perspectives of behaviours or events. Ability to understand and appreciate participants’ similar and different cultural perspectives, and possible imbalances between them. Ability to manage ambiguities and mistakes that may emerge in multi-cultural situations. Ability to use the mediator’s understandings of these possible differences and similarities to create a workable environment for all participants, including one that optimizes communication among them.
Skills
The IMI Inter-Cultural Task Force identified six Cultural Focus Areas (CFAs) that mediators may want to give attention to when mediating inter-culturally. Each of these behavioural categories includes examples that may be relevant when preparing for mediation, interacting with participants, bridging differences, and establishing common grounds between participants.
Communication: Ability to adjust one’s own communication style to the preferred styles of participants from other cultures, and to help participants communicate optimally with each other, including establishing suitable processes to facilitate communications.
Preparation: Ability to prepare for a mediation by identifying possible cultural patterns and preferences (e.g., identifying specific Cultural Focus Areas for each mediation) and designing potentially appropriate processes and possible interventions.
Managing the Process: Ability to detect whether, when and how cultural considerations (e.g. Cultural Focus Areas) may be impacting on the mediation process as the mediation progresses including abilities to adapt the process accordingly and design appropriate interventions, that also encompass any settlement and compliance phases.
Cultural Focus Areas
1. Relatedness and Communication Styles
2. Mindset Toward Conflict
Negotiation Attitude
3. Mediation Process
4. Orientation Toward Exchanging Information
5. Time Orientation
6. Decision-making Approaches
See full criteria for Intercultural Specialists
How to Apply.
Confirm that you meet the minimum requirements — 200 hours or 20 mediations — before approaching a ICQAP.
QAPs are approved organisations authorised to assess mediators against IMI’s international standards. Use the Find a Program tool to locate a ICQAP in your region or area of practice.
Find a ICQAPWork through the ICQAP’s assessment process. Each ICQAP has its own format. On successful completion, the ICQAP submits your details to IMI.
Add your areas of expertise, languages, practice locations, and a professional photo.
The annual listing contribution for Intercultural Specialists is €165 per year (excluding VAT where applicable). IMI’s DEI Policy may apply.
IMI DEI PolicyBenefits of Being an IMI Intercultural Specialist.
01. Recognition of in-demand expertise
International and cross-border disputes require cultural fluency. This credential signals you have it — independently assessed.
02. Distinction in international practice
Sets you apart for cross-border appointments by institutions, courts, and appointing authorities worldwide.
03. Listed in the IMI global directory
Your profile appears as a certified mediation advocate/advisor, accessible to clients, counsel, and institutions worldwide.
04. Stackable with core certification
Hold alongside IMI Certified Mediator status for a comprehensive, internationally recognised profile.
05. Publicly visible and verifiable
Your credential is clearly displayed on your public IMI profile, accessible to anyone worldwide.
Maintaining Your Accreditation.
€165 per year (excluding VAT where applicable). IMI’s DEI policy may apply.
Pay annually, keep your IMI profile up to date, maintain an active mediation practice, and abide by the IMI Code of Professional Conduct. IMI recommends updating your optional Feedback Digest at least every two years.
If the annual contribution is not paid and no waiver is granted, a one-year grace period applies. After this period, the listing is removed and the practitioner may no longer use the IMI designation, logos, or represent themselves as IMI listed.
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible on your IMI profile — no login required — and is reviewed by anyone considering appointing you. Collecting feedback is optional but strongly encouraged. Newly listed practitioners are encouraged to add their first feedback within six months of listing.
Your Feedback Profile.
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible on your IMI profile — no login required — and is reviewed by anyone considering appointing you. Collecting feedback is optional but strongly encouraged.
Collecting feedback
How to request feedback from parties and counsel after a mediation.
IMI Mediation Logbook
Record mediations and request feedback automatically through the IMI Logbook.
Guidelines for Reviewers
Share this with parties and counsel before they complete a feedback form.
Feedback request form
Send a formal request to a party or counsel asking them to review your practice.
Begin your IMI journey.
Join our community of IMI Certified Mediators, Advocates, and Specialised Mediators.
IMI is a non-profit foundation, currently funded through mediator listing contributions and donations from mediators/ADR Patrons, as well as the organisation’s application processing fees and RMTP listing fees. IMI’s revenue is used to cover IMI’s costs, mostly related to the upkeep of the IMI website and organising events, and to support the further development of mediation standards worldwide. Your contributions are therefore vital to IMI’s ongoing work towards the shared vision of Professional Mediation Worldwide: Promoting Consensus and Access to Justice.
