Ron Ton

Founding Director Clingendael Academy & Expert in Negotiation & Mediation

Expertise

Diplomacy, Humanitarian negotiations, Peace negotiations, International security, Institutional development

Ron Ton is the Founding Director of Clingendael Academy, remaining associated with Clingendael as trainer and strategic advisor.

At Clingendael Academy he managed all training programmes, consultancy and capacity building projects in international relations, diplomacy, peace and humanitarian negotiations, EU affairs, international security and skills programmes. He has substantial experience working with governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. He collaborates with partner organizations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

Ron Ton is an internationally recognized trainer and expert in negotiation and mediation skills and processes. He delivers training to diplomats, conflict parties, (insider) mediators, humanitarian negotiators and other groups across the globe. He designs a wide range of simulation games, role-plays, and negotiation exercises.

Other areas of expertise include diplomatic practice, leadership skills, intercultural communications, strategic thinking, scenario planning and capacity building in diplomatic training. Ron also works as an international consultant and advisor on institutional development and capacity building for foreign ministries and diplomatic academies worldwide. He holds positions as visiting lecturer at several foreign universities and diplomatic institutions.

In recognition of his contributions, Ron Ton received the Golden Laurel Bough in May 2012—the highest honor awarded by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs—for his role in establishing and developing the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute in Sofia. Panama honoured him in 2022 with an award recognizing his significant contributions to the training of diplomats. In 2025, the President of Mongolia awarded him the Polar Star, the country’s highest civilian decoration.

He is affiliated to the European Diplomatic Programme (EDP), the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT), the Centre of Competence for Humanitarian Negotiations (CCHN), and the Mediation Support Network (MSN). He served as President of the Board of Terre des Hommes Netherlands (in a voluntary capacity).

He graduated from the University of Utrecht (the Netherlands) with a master’s degree in Contemporary History and International Relations as well at the Pedagogical and Didactical Institute. He also completed the accredited mediator training program at the London School of Mediation.

Learn more about Ron Ton's work below: