Clingendael and UNDP Strengthen Mediation Support Capacities Through Annual Training Programme

The Dutch Institute of International Relations, Clingendael, effectively hosted its annual five-day training in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at enhancing insider mediation support for UN Staff. 

From the 18th to 22nd of May, the Conflict and Peace Negotiations Programme of the Clingendael Academy welcomed 18 participants in The Hague to collectively learn, collaborate, and explore different opportunities for the UN. The participants varied from different UN agencies; UNDP (Development Programme), UN Women (Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), UN DPPA (Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs), UN PDAs (Peace and Development Advisors) and the UN Office of the Special Envoy.

The main focus of this training was on supporting (insider) mediation processes from a third-party perspective as well as exploring the different ways UN mediation support capacities can be improved. The programme varied from interactive sessions, skills workshops and practice simulations all focused on negotiations and mediation skills. With practical insight into the organisational and individual challenges of providing sustainable support in conflict-affected areas, the participants were encouraged to reflect and engage with the provided tools and exchanged knowledge.

A special highlight of this training programme was the celebration and signing of the long-standing partnership between the UNDP and Clingendael Institute in fostering and exploring future collaborations.

As the global demand for experienced mediation professionals increases, the Clingendael Institute continues to host and facilitate these knowledge exchanges for the UN staff. This allows participants and trainers to learn from one another and to create new context-specific approaches founded on process design and engagement strategies. We hope to welcome such skilled practitioners back in The Hague and continue these efforts based on knowledge exchange and connection building.

For more information, please contact Amanda Klemann or Gabriëlla Geneste Vogelaar.