Clingendael Academy’s Director, Ron Ton, recently visited Canberra, Australia to achieve three main objectives: to conduct a training at the Australian MFA, to attend the annual International Forum on Diplomatic Training meeting, and to visit partner institutions.

Conducting training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Australia

At the Australian MFA, Ron Ton trained the government’s diplomats in international negotiation skills, in particular on a methodology to stay in control of both complex and bilateral negotiations.

Clingendael Academy’s approach provides good insights in various dimensions of pursuing effective negotiations in content, process, behaviour, and procedures. The trainings also included self-assessment tests and role plays in various bilateral negotiations.

Read more about negotiation training as conflict resolution mechanism.

Attending the annual International Forum on Diplomatic Training meeting

About 45 diplomatic institutions from all over the world were gathered to discuss relations with the Asia-Pacific region and the development of diplomatic training. 

The so called IFDT meeting (International Forum on Diplomatic Training) was organised by the Australian National University (ANU) and took place in the Shine Dome.

Visiting partner institutions

Ron Ton discussed cooperation with the newly established Australian Diplomatic Academy, and  visited the Embassy of the Netherlands in Canberra. The Embassy is currently working tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming state visit by the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Australia (31 October-4 November). The visit to Australia will be followed by a visit to New Zealand.

In the middle: Mrs. Erica Schouten, NL Ambassador and on the left: Mr. Arthur den Hartog, Dpt. Ambassador

A very fruitful meeting with Director Peter Jennings  took place at ASPI (Australian Strategic Policy Institute), a Clingendael Academy partner in the Asia-Pacific region on issues such as cyber security. Finally, Mr. Ron Ton also met with Australian officials and scholars.