Overwhelming demand for Clingendael's Humanitarian Diplomacy Training

This spring, the Clingendael Academy kicked off its first Humanitarian Diplomacy programme of 2025. Interest in the five-day course was overwhelming, with nearly 800 humanitarian professionals applying, and 23 being selected to participate. The cohort included representatives from UN, international and local humanitarian organisations.

Throughout the programme, participants immersed themselves in the world of humanitarian diplomacy, focusing on key topics such as advocacy, strategic influencing, and diplomatic engagement. Experts such as Dr Hugo Slim (Senior Research Fellow at the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice, Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford), diplomats, humanitarian practitioners and Clingendael trainers, shared insights on diplomatic protocols, ways to foster collaboration between diplomats and aid workers, and the role of multilateral diplomacy in humanitarian efforts.

Interactive workshops, led by Clingendael trainers, and expert panels enabled participants to refine their communication strategies and strengthen their ability to advocate effectively in complex international settings.

Humanitarian diplomacy is becoming increasingly important. Humanitarians must master these skills, which may require them to adopt traditional forms of diplomacy. This means: 1. Being aware of diplomatic practices and 2. Being able to navigate them effectively.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Peter Maurer, former Swiss diplomat and President of the ICRC, who discussed the practical implications of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for collaboration in this field.

In these challenging times, the Clingendael Academy remains committed to supporting aid workers by providing training in humanitarian diplomacy. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen professional networks and equip those working on humanitarian action with the necessary knowledge and skills to advance humanitarian objectives in diplomatic spaces.

Later this year, the Clingendael Humanitarian Negotiation Programme will also organise a Humanitarian Diplomacy programme specifically for diplomats. 

Keep an eye on this page for updates.