News

Clingendael and Panama cooperate in diplomatic training
21 Dec 2016 - 15:55
Source: Vice President of Panama, Mrs. Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, together with Mr. Ton

Clingendael Academy’s director Ron Ton recently visited Panama to deliver a training in negotiation techniques and capacity building for the diplomatic academy. He was warmly welcomed at the Panama Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had the honour to meet Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, Deputy Minister on International Trade Negotiations, Mrs. Diana Salazar, and Deputy Minister Public Security Jonnattan Del Rosario.

Ambassador Marcel Salamin, DG of the Diplomatic Academy and his staff arranged a two-day seminar on negotiation skills presented by Ron Ton. The seminar was attended by 26 diplomats of Panama.

Negotiation Skills

They were trained on their practical skills in bilateral and multilateral negotiations. This included methodologies and strategies, including a four dimensional approach how to stay in control of the complexity of international negotiations.

A self-assessment on negotiation styles gave insight in personal preferential styles and provided important insights in profiling opponents in negotiation behaviour. The participants practiced their negotiation styles. Highlights of the negotiation training were two simulation games: one on international crisis management and one about UN Security Council resolutions.

Capacity Building

Mr. Ron Ton also presented a seminar in capacity building on diplomatic training to the staff of the Diplomatic Academy. The participants also included fellows of the University of Panama, trainers and lecturers. Ambassador Salamin opened the seminar by presenting the vision of Panama to increase the investment in the training of diplomats and to upgrade the diplomatic training institution. In February 2017 the MFA of Panama will open a new and modern diplomatic training facility. 

Mr. Ton presented capacity building strategies for institutional development of diplomatic training. In several exercises, emphasis was made on a competence based methodology to determine which curricula could be best developed for certain diplomatic target groups, as well to develop and coach teaching staff in their communicative and educational skills.

The Diplomatic Academy furthermore organised meetings at the Panama Canal Authorities and the City of Knowledge. In reference to their international outreach, Mr. Ton discussed opportunities for new cooperation.

More information?

Please contact Mr. Ron Ton, director Clingendael Academy.