Venezuela Engages in Global Mediation and Cybersecurity Initiatives to Safeguard Sovereignty
Venezuela Joins International Mediation Organization, Bolsters Multilateral Ties
Caracas, June 4, 2025 - Embracing the spirit of dialogue and sovereignty, Venezuela joined the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), a groundbreaking initiative for conflict resolution. This move coincides with President Maduro's pledge to promote peace, independence, and multilateralism.
The IOMed, the world's first intergovernmental body focused on mediation, promises to serve as a beacon for states, investors, and partners seeking peaceful dispute resolutions. Maduro heralded the organization as a milestone for global harmony—a testament to Venezuela's commitment to fostering cooperation and mutual understanding.
Launched on May 30, the IOMed boasts 33 founding members predominantly from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They gathered in Hong Kong to sign a convention under the UN Charter Article 33, committing to address international disputes involving states, investors, and trade.
Caracas expressed its support for the IOMed, viewing it as closely aligned with UN principles and in opposition to efforts weakening multilateral dialogue. This new organization, Maduro claims, will pave the way for a more transparent and equitable international information security system.
In addition to IOMed, Venezuela has also taken part in Moscow's "International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security" working group. A joint statement made by over 80 nations and international organizations emphasized a commitment towards fostering a fair and secure digital landscape based on UN values, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.
The 12 founding signatories, including Venezuela and Iran, expressed their support for the UN Convention against Cybercrime, urging all nations to join the initiative. They also pledged to support further UN efforts in developing universal agreements on international information security and opposing the use of ICTs to interfere in other nations' internal affairs.
The IOMed presents an opportunity for Venezuela to deepen ties with its allies, such as Iran. Maduro recently met with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President of Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly, to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at benefiting both nations. This interaction follows Venezuela's re-election to a second term as vice president of the UN General Assembly, highlighting its ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation on the global stage.
Edited by José Luis Granados Ceja in Mexico City, Mexico.
Background of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed)
The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) ranks among the most significant initiatives in international dispute resolution. China has spearheaded this historic platform to address the growing need for effective, peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. Unique among intergovernmental legal organizations, the IOMed is wholly committed to mediation[1][2][5]. Its objective is to provide a forum for states, investors, and parties to engage in dialogue and consultation, thereby fostering mutual understanding and cooperation[3][4].
Whereas the IOMed initially secured the backing of 33 founding members, such as Pakistan[3], the organization has attracted considerable international attention. The signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong drew over 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and 20 international organizations[3]. As the IOMed continues to expand its membership, countries such as Venezuela may join the fold, although specifics regarding Venezuela's membership status remain unrevealed.
Objectives of IOMed
The primary objectives of IOMed are:
- Peaceful Dispute Resolution: To offer a viable and effective alternative for resolving international disputes via mediation in line with Article 33 of the U.N. Charter[4].
- Promoting Multilateralism: IOMed aims to bolster global cooperation by cultivating dialogue, mutual understanding, and harmony among nations amidst the fragmentation of the world landscape[3][4].
- Global Governance: By filling a critical void in international mediation, IOMed seeks to enhance global governance and uphold the rule of law, offering a valuable contribution to international relations as a global good[4].
- Cultural Harmony: The organization endeavors to transcend zero-sum mentality, advocating for amicable resolutions of international disputes built upon common civilizational values of harmony[4].
Headquarters and Future Plans
The IOMed is headquartered in Hong Kong, a stance that magnifies the city's standing as a global legal hub amidst geopolitical tensions[4][5]. Plans call for the organization to commence operations by late 2025 or early 2026, with its headquarters set to open during this period[4]. This strategic location highlights Hong Kong's track record in maintaining peaceful dispute resolution showcased through the "one country, two systems" principle[5].
- Venezuela's commitment to fostering cooperation and mutual understanding extends beyond its recent membership in the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), as it has also joined a working group in Moscow focused on information security.
- In line with the UN principles and opposition to efforts weakening multilateral dialogue, the new IOMed is poised to contribute to a more transparent and equitable international information security system, further underlined by Venezuela's participation in the UN Convention against Cybercrime.
