Practical skills for negotiating and influencing multilateral settings
Climate change is rapidly reshaping diplomacy, aid, and international relations. As global climate negotiations become more complex - with parallel tracks on mitigation, adaptation, finance, and technology - professionals across sectors need the skills to navigate high‑stakes multilateral processes. Many participants will find themselves taking part in a COP or related international climate meetings, where these dynamics play out in real time, making targeted preparation essential.
Clingendael Academy offers a skills‑focused training designed to help current and future climate professionals engage strategically in multilateral processes. Drawing on Clingendael’s long‑standing expertise in international negotiation and climate diplomacy, this programme prepares you to operate effectively in today’s fast‑evolving climate landscape.
Strengthen your insight, sharpen your influence
This programme combines the flexibility of selfpaced e-learning with the depth of interactive live online sessions, creating a structured yet dynamic learning experience that fits alongside professional commitments.
Over four weeks, each module introduces key concepts through engaging online materials, which are then explored further during live expert-led discussions and skills‑focused workshops. This blended approach allows you to build a solid understanding of global climate governance at your own pace, whilst applying new competences directly in practical negotiation and influencing exercises. By merging conceptual learning with hands‑on practice, the course equips you to engage with international climate processes more strategically and confidently. This training directly supports participants preparing to attend a COP by providing practical tools and simulations that mirror real negotiation settings.
The course will cover the following modules:
- Module 1: Foundations of global climate governance
- Module 2: Actors & power dynamics
- Module 3: Key issues on the negotiation table
- Module 4: How to navigate a climate conference
Is this course for you?
This programme is designed for professionals who engage directly or indirectly with international climate policy and who are seeking practice‑oriented training. This may include:
A general understanding of climate change is required; no technical expertise is needed. Not sure if the course matches your background? Our team is happy to advise.
What will you learn?
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
- Explain key global climate governance frameworks and understand major trends, challenges, and climate impacts.
- Analyse the political and institutional dynamics of the UNFCCC and related negotiation arenas.
- Negotiate and influence effectively, applying proven techniques through hands‑on climate simulations
- Use strategic tools and interpersonal persuasion techniques to build and sustain effective coalitions.
- Engage in cross‑sector dialogue and strengthen your international professional network.
When?
This course will take place in September and October, combining self-paced e-learning modules with live online skills sessions. The live online sessions will take place on the following dates.
- Wednesday 30 September
- Wednesday 7 October
- Wednesday 14 October
- Wednesday 21 October
The live session will take approximately 3 hours and will be scheduled between 11.00 and 14.00 CEST. Further details to be confirmed at a later stage.
Fees, scholarships and registration
The regular course fee is €700,-. A partial course waver of 50% is available for a total of 5 participants who work for governments or organisations based in countries and territories included in the DAC list of ODA recipients (2025). To apply for a waiver, applicants must submit a signed statement from their organisation.
Please consult the registration form for the full eligibility criteria.
Terms of participation
Please note that the course will only be held when a minimum participation of 12 people has been reached. The maximum number of participants is 20. If the course is fully booked, you may register for the waiting list.
Please note that participants will have to have paid the full course fee before being admitted to the training.
Disclaimer: The awarding of scholarships is entirely at the discretion of the Clingendael Academy. No rights or claims can be derived from this information or from submitting an application.
