Global voices of peace: Clingendael's first advanced alumni training for women
In July 2025, Clingendael hosted the first-ever global training for women alumni of Clingendael’s mediation training programmes. This unique two-week programme brought together a group of women mediators from around the world, each previously trained by Clingendael and now engaged in mediation and dialogue at local, national, regional, or international levels.
Since 2014, the Clingendael Peace Negotiations Programme (CPNP) has been supporting women mediators across the globe through capacity-strengthening training. The recently concluded advanced training, the first of its kind, was designed to further deepen alumnae’s expertise, strengthen their networks, foster intergenerational exchange, and equip them with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex mediation landscape.
The programme was built on the foundational skills participants had previously acquired, beginning with a scene-setting day to reconnect, share current experiences, and explore the evolving contexts in which they work. A refresher on key negotiation and mediation concepts ensured a shared grounding before diving into the core of the training.
Over several intensive days, participants engaged in expert-led (online) sessions, interactive discussions, and a number of simulations and exercises. As this was Clingendael’s first advanced mediation and negotiation training, many of the sessions were created and tailored specifically for this group. Topics ranged from communication strategies and resistance management to transitional justice, digital technologies, inclusive mediation practices, and the psychological well-being of mediators. A standout moment was the full-day simulation exercise, where participants applied their skills in a realistic mediation scenario. The programme concluded with a reflective wrap-up session, during which participants developed actionable plans to integrate their learning into their day-to-day work.
This training reflects Clingendael’s commitment to supporting women peacemakers with practical learning opportunities.
