Clingendael Academy's debut at Geneva Peace Week

Clingendael Academy, in collaboration with Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), successfully hosted a workshop at Geneva Peace Week titled ‘Mastering negotiation in conflict: Role-play and insights from the field’. The session aimed to immerse participants in the complexities of negotiating in conflict settings, with a focus on unarmed civilian protection.

Participants engaged in an interactive role-play exercise, where they assumed the roles of local actors navigating a challenging scenario. This hands-on approach allowed them to practice negotiation skills, deepen their understanding of negotiation techniques, and reflect on how these skills are applied in real-world conflict situations.

The workshop also featured two expert speakers from NP: Anton Yeremchuk, Project Coordinator and Co-Founder of Base UA, who oversees operational missions in Ukraine including evacuations, mobile healthcare units, and initiatives for children and youth in front-line areas; and Sara Mohammed Sulaiman, a National Protection Officer from North Darfur, specialising in gender-based violence prevention. Their insights provided participants with valuable lessons and practical examples of civilian protection efforts in volatile environments.

It was the first time Clingendael Academy hosted a workshop at the Geneva Peace Week. Its expertise in skills-based training, combined with NP’s on-the-ground experience, created a dynamic learning environment. The session underscored the crucial role of negotiation in achieving sustainable peace and protecting civilians in conflict zones.