From 25 to 26 March 2026, IOMed Secretary-General Prof. Teresa Cheng attended the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan, China.
On 26 March, Prof. Cheng spoke on the sub-forum themed “Safeguarding Common Economic Security: The Power of Rule of Law,” joined by Mr. Danilo Turk, former President of Slovenia, Mr. Tewodros Getachew Tulu, President of the Pan African Lawyers Union, Mr. WANG Junfeng, President of the Belt and Road International Legal Services Association, and Mr. Andy Tsang, Chairman of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum.
In her remarks, Prof. Cheng stressed that mediation, as a means of dispute resolution underpinned by rule of law, provides countries and investors an accessible, affordable and viable alternative to amicably settle economic or trade disputes. She also highlighted the advantage of mediation in helping parties to focus on their common interests and preserve partnerships, thus facilitating economic cooperation and contribute to common economic security. She described the establishment of IOMed as an innovative step to harness the strengths of mediation, which has been an underused “hidden treasure”.
During the trip, Prof. Cheng attended the Plenary of the Annual Conference where leaders of China, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea delivered speeches. She also engaged extensively with heads of international organizations, business leaders, law professionals and media outlets participating in the Annual Conference to introduce services of IOMed and share its perspectives.
Speakers of the sub-forum on “Safeguarding Common Economic Security: The Power of Rule of Law” (from left to right): Chairman of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum Mr. Andy Tsang (moderator), IOMed Secretary-General Prof. Teresa Cheng, former President of Slovenia Mr. Danilo Turk, President of the Belt and Road International Legal Services Association Mr. WANG Junfeng, and President of the Pan African Lawyers Union Mr. Tewodros Getachew Tulu.
Prof. Teresa Cheng speaking on “Safeguarding Common Economic Security: The Power of Rule of Law” during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026