At the initiative of the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIRCO), a new programme for the training of high level mediators from 19 African countries and various South African institutions was launched on the 3rd of November in Pretoria. The programme of two weeks is hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of DIRCO. The Clingendael Academy is partner in this project. Other partners are the Centre for Mediation of the University of Pretoria and ACCORD from Durban.

Clingendael Academy’s Director Ron Ton delivered a 2-day module on negotiation techniques and the link to mediation. The module focused on concepts and strategies in negotiation, assessments on personal negotiation behaviour and how insights in negotiations can benefit the effectiveness of mediators. Several practical exercises and simulations on negotiation and mediation were part of the training.

South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIRCO) and the Clingendael Academy will continue to work together in this new and challenging cooperation.

Centre left: Mr. Andre Groenenwald, Director of the International School at DIRCO. Centre right: Mr. Ron Ton, Director Clingendael Academy and trainer