Negotiation skills for humanitarian aid workers & mediators

The work of humanitarians and the accompanied negotiations are crucial for delivering assistance to affected communities. The ability to effectively negotiate in stressful circumstances is a skill which is essential to every humanitarian worker: from the humanitarian negotiating access on the frontline with armed groups, to the manager in headquarters talking to donors and governments. In 2022, Clingendael Academy has trained more than 400 humanitarians, humanitarian mediators and humanitarian diplomats to increase access and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance. 

84% of respondents to our impact survey stated that the foundational negotiation training made a lot or a great deal of difference in their humanitarian negotiations.

We are proud to be able to make a contribution to the humanitarian sector in their important work of supporting people in need. Our programme is financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The results of our impact survey

Please find the results of our impact survey below, and as you scroll down, you can watch the inspiring stories of María Romero and Rasha Alhusban, both of whom took part in the humanitarian negotiation skills training.

Alumni share their stories

María Romero and Rasha Alhusban tell you everything about their experience as a participant of the Course on humanitarian negotiation skills by the Clingendael Academy.

If you're a humanitarian and would like to learn more about our programme, please click for additional information.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our trainers.