Milestone edition of the Insider Mediators Training
Marking the tenth edition of the programme, the Clingendael Academy hosted its Insider Mediators Training from 23 March to 3 April 2026, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Since its launch in 2016, the programme has become a key platform for strengthening the capacities of mediators working from within conflict‑affected contexts. This anniversary edition brought together a diverse group of participants from four continents, with backgrounds ranging from national‑level political mediation to long‑standing engagement in resolving local disputes between communities and villages. This diversity shaped the training and enabled participants to engage with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Throughout the programme, participants combined negotiation and mediation theory with practical tools and simulations, drawing directly on their professional experience. Alongside skills practice, dedicated knowledge‑sharing and reflection sessions created space to connect learning back to their own work. Participants exchanged insights from their contexts, discussed relevance for their daily practice, and explored how to apply new approaches when returning home.
We were pleased to welcome a UNDP representative during the first week of the training. Their contribution added value by sharing insights from the UNDP Insider Mediators Network and linking the training content more directly to practical implementation within UNDP’s global peacebuilding work.
Participants consistently highlighted the value of combining expert input with peer learning and practical application. As one evaluation noted: “The key takeaways from this training are the importance of preparation, communication, and understanding interests in negotiation and mediation. Through practical exercises and feedback, I developed greater confidence in applying these skills in real‑life contexts.”
With this tenth edition, Clingendael reaffirms its commitment to supporting insider mediators and strengthening locally grounded peacebuilding efforts.
