This November, the Clingendael Academy welcomed nine inspiring humanitarian mediators for a five-day training programme at the Institute in The Hague. The comprehensive programme allowed the participants to dive into relevant negotiation and mediation theory, while at the same time directly applying those tools during multiple simulation exercises. 

In addition, the training allowed the group to share their own experiences in mediation work, which contributed to the overall learning capacity of all participants. As the group was incredibly diverse in positions, working countries and personal backgrounds, these exchanges were extremely valuable for their individual knowledge building and mediation skills. Apart from substantive training sessions, the group was able to connect on a personal level during our group dinner for instance.

In the midst of current humanitarian crises and ongoing conflicts, the Clingendael Academy Humanitarian Negotiation Team is grateful to receive and train such a remarkable group of humanitarians, who dedicate their work to mediating critical humanitarian negotiation processes to assist those in need.