DAV collaborates with the United States Institute of Peace to organize a mediation skills training workshop

15:06 26/12/2024

On December 18 and 19, 2024, in Hanoi, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV), in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), successfully organized the Mediation Skills Training Course. This initiative is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between DAV and USIP in 2022. The course aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in international mediation—an increasingly critical tool for maintaining peace and resolving conflicts worldwide.

An overview of the training session with the participation of trainees and experts.

In his opening remarks for the training course, Associate Professor Dr. Ha Anh Tuan, Acting Dean of Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy of DAV, emphasized that the course not only provides specialized knowledge on mediation but also serves as a valuable opportunity for participants to build networks and exchange experiences with leading experts. From the USIP side, Mr. Andrew Wells-Dang, Senior Expert from the Asia Center of USIP, highlighted the importance of equipping diplomats and professionals with mediation skills in the context of an increasingly complex global landscape. He expressed his hope that the training course would not only deliver foundational knowledge but also inspire dynamic exchanges among participants, helping them define clearer personal goals and discover effective ways to apply the skills learned to their practical work.

From left to right: Ms. Sasha Pippenger, Mr. Andrew Wells-Dang, Mr. Ha Anh Tuan, Ms. Samantha Robinson.
Participants actively engaged in discussions during the training session.

Under the guidance of experienced experts from USIP, the program not only provided foundational knowledge but also offered a comprehensive overview of the ecosystem of the peace process. It covered concepts such as negotiation, mediation, and peace processes, along with practical guidance on conflict assessment, stakeholder identification, and trust-building measures - key elements for initiating an effective mediation process. Additionally, practical scenarios and lessons drawn from case studies such as the conflicts in Syria and South Africa enriched participants' understanding of how to apply these skills in real-world contexts.

On the second day of the training course, participants worked in groups to practice mediation simulations.

Moreover, the mediation simulation (Peace Game Simulation) was a key highlight of the training course. It provided participants with the opportunity to not only practice developing mediation plans but also face unexpected scenarios that required quick adaptation and strategic thinking. Through this activity, participants gained a deeper understanding of the mediation process while honing teamwork, time management, and flexibility in responding to rapidly changing scenarios. These lessons will significantly enhance the professional capacity of each participant and offer valuable insights for application in diplomacy and international mediation efforts.

Participants and organizers took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

The success of the Mediation Skills Training Course is a clear testament to DAV's commitment to enhancing the capacity of Vietnamese diplomats, contributing to Viet Nam's role as an active and responsible member of the international community./.

External Relations Division

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