Between 19 and 23 June, the Clingendael Institute hosted delegates from six regional (intergovernmental) organisations from around the world for the programme “Enhancing Mediation Support”. The training aimed to enhance their negotiation and mediation skills and knowledge, as well as to jointly tackle common challenges in mediation support.  

Participants included representatives from ASEAN, COMESA, ECCAS, ECOWAS, OSCE, and UNDP. They discussed new trends in mediation and worked in teams to practice setting up a new mediation initiative. Trust-building and inclusivity were key themes throughout the week. The group reflected on meaningful participation, inclusion, and constituency management. The intensive five-day programme guided participants through the implementation of new tools and concepts in their regular jobs, and resulted in new connections and ideas.  

Clingendael Academy’s Peace Negotiations Programme will continue to work with global and regional mediation support institutions and offer more trainings like this one in the near future.