Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) senior officials, special representatives, resident and permanent representatives, members of the Mediation and Security Council at ambassadorial level, and members of the Council of the Wise participated in an advanced capacity-building program on negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution, ECOWAS announced. The training formed part of the 10th Edition of the Clingendael Academy Programme on Peace Negotiations and was organized by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael,” with financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Throughout the five-day program, participants strengthened their practical understanding of the principles and processes of negotiation and mediation, including the qualities of effective negotiators and mediators, the strategic application of mediation support, and approaches for building consensus among parties with diverse interests, values, and beliefs. The training provided insights into the distinctions between negotiation and mediation, the objectives and phases of mediation, and the contribution of mediation to sustainable peace outcomes.
The sessions also offered a chance to reflect on ECOWAS’ mediation work from a comparative perspective, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform future interventions. Scenario-building exercises and group simulations let participants analyze key conflict drivers, assess uncertainties, and develop scenario matrices to support informed planning and response strategies in mediation processes.
ECOWAS and the Clingendael Academy have worked together since 2015 to strengthen the Commission’s regional conflict prevention and resolution capacities. Training approximately 750 diplomats and 2,500 professionals annually, the Clingendael Academy is recognized as one of the world’s leading independent diplomatic training institutions.
