|
 | Participants and facilitators at the International Negotiation Skills workshop. |
|
The University of the South Pacific’s Diplomacy and International Affairs programme hosted a special workshop on International Negotiation Skills for its postgraduate students from 17-19 October, 2012.
Facilitated by two experienced negotiators, Ambassador Peter Rodgers and Ms Francesca Beddie, the three-day workshop was designed to impart practical skills on international negotiation and diplomatic writing through a step-by-step preparation for participation in a mock multilateral conference on climate change.
On the first day, the facilitators introduced the participants to the basic elements of diplomatic writing and then moved into practical group exercises focused on the first stage of international negotiations - research, dialogue, and persuasive writing within the home government in order to reach an agreed negotiating position.
The second day focused on preparing for the mock multilateral conference. Participants were divided into delegations representing different countries and international agencies and instructed to prepare their talking points and opening speeches for the conference.
On the latter part of the second day and the third day the various delegations gave their opening speeches, lobbied and drafted conference resolutions. In the last session, the facilitators reviewed the conference and delegation performances.
The Academic Co-ordinator of the Diplomacy and International Affairs program, Associate Professor Greg Fry, said that although many of the participants are highly experienced civil servants, diplomats, journalists and private sector managers, they all said they gained a great deal from the workshop.
For many participants, the workshop provided a huge understanding about negotiations and how it is carried out on the international stage.
“The workshop enabled me to get firsthand training from former diplomats on best negotiation practices and how to prepare and present a delegation’s perspective or views,” said Mr Zoher Jannif, one of the participants.
The participants found the mock conference to be particularly realistic because of the experienced chairing by Mr Sila Balawa, former Deputy Secretary of Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
|
