Training new members of the UN Security Council

From October 23 to 25, 2024 Clingendael Academy conducted a specialized training in New York for diplomats representing the newly elected members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): Denmark, Greece, Panama, Pakistan, and Somalia. These countries will serve on the Council for the 2025–2026 term.

The training sharpened participants’ negotiation skills specifically in the UNSC context. The training also aimed to deepen their understanding of the international legal framework in which the UNSC operates and dived in the relevance of wording and phrases, specifically in UNSC resolutions. 

During the three days of interactive training, participants analysed strategic tools in UNSC negotiations, assessed their own personal negotiation style, discussed how to deal with deadlocks in negotiations, practiced in various negotiation simulations, analysed the use of wording and phrasing in UNSC resolutions and their legal relevance, and negotiated in a real UNSC resolution setting. 

“I gained extensive knowledge about the negotiations involved in the resolution. Additionally, I had a valuable networking opportunity with incoming members of the Security Council. Overall, it was a valuable learning experience regarding how international law operates within the context of the Security Council.”

Alumni from last year’s edition of the program shared first-hand experiences of serving on the UNSC, offering practical insights to the new cohort. Additionally, a Clingendael alumni reception brought together former trainees from the past 30 years, providing attendees with valuable networking opportunities in New York.

This 8th edition of the training program was held in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations. It continues to equip UNSC members with the skills and knowledge to navigate the Council's high-stakes decision-making process effectively.