“Resolution of Cross-Cultural Conflict Through Negotiation, Facilitation and Mediation” Virtual Course

Conflicts of today are becoming increasingly complex, changing and correlating with identity and cultural issues. One of the crucial factors affecting negotiation and mediation is the awareness of cultural issues. Cross-cultural awareness refers to the ability to be regardful of people’s perceptions relating to experiences, beliefs, values, concepts and expectations within a given cultural context as well as of their impact. Comprehending each other’s cultures provides the necessary tools to address both current and potential conflicts.

The course will look into different ways of approaching intractable cross-cultural conflicts. While some assume that these conflicts are caused by the existence of cultural differences, others claim that the root causes stem from perceptions, difficulties in communicating and understanding each other, dictated by cultural frameworks. The course will focus on common ground for intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as on exploring various methods for resolving cross-cultural conflicts through dialogue and negotiations, or third-party facilitation and mediation.

This program is designed for senior and mid-level staff members working in international organizations headquarters and field operations (UN, AU, OSCE, EU, etc.), and those working in governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, or preparing to serve in peace operations and in diplomatic service. The objective of the course is to enhance their specific knowledge and skills to manage the cultural dimension, as well as to enable them to develop a deeper understanding of ways to prevent, mitigate, and resolve cross-cultural conflicts. 

The training will consist of lectures and facilitated discussions by senior experts and practitioners in the field (UN senior mediation advisers, former head of UN mission, ambassadors and university professors), as well as simulation exercises, role play and case studies, which will comprise over 50% of the course. A virtual space will be provided for group discussions and best practices, and for experience sharing among the participants under the guidance of the senior mentors.

Learning Objectives 

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

— Define and understand cross-cultural conflict and its relations to identity, ethnicity and religion;

— Acquire insights into the role of culture in conflict, and into ways the concepts of culture are being framed in negotiation, mediation, conflict prevention and resolution;

— Apply acquired skills in cross-cultural conflict analysis, conflict monitoring and stakeholders mapping by using relevant tools and techniques;

— Better understand cross-cultural conflict drivers, actors and dynamics, and identify historic and structural causes of conflict;

— Understand the role of culture in interpreting behavior and actions, and in meaning- making, as well as the importance of a set of values, both overt and invisible;

— Develop mediation strategies and inclusive mediation processes in cross-cultural settings and use various modalities for a greater inclusion of women;

— Apply various methods and a range of skills, techniques and good practices for resolving cross-cultural conflicts through dialogue and negotiations, or third-party facilitation and mediation;

— Diferentiate culture-driven negotiation styles and skills, and design negotiation strategy to tackle the cultural dimension in conflict resolution;

— Identify common ground for intercultural and interreligious dialogue;

— Apply essential skills for mediating cross-cultural conflict;

— Acquire and be able to apply communication skills and techniques in cross-cultural communication;

— Understand and apply ways of improving the conflict resolution processes by cultural means and instruments;

— Deal with moral and legal dilemmas which may arise in cross-cultural conflict resolution and mediation.

Download the course program and more details about the course HERE 

The course will be conducted virtually via the Zoom software.

The fee for the course is 1,500 USD.

 Conflux Center alumni are eligible for 20% discount.

Partial subsidy could be available at a later stage. Those interested in a partial subsidy should send their CV and a motivation letter not later than 12th January 2024 to office@confluxcenter.org.

The specified times are in accordance with CET (Central European Time) / UTC+1 (Coordinated Universal Time) time zone.

The participants should be relieved of their regular work duties for the duration of the course.

The course is conducted in English and translation is not provided.

Upon completion of the course, certificates of participation will be issued in PDF, and a hard copy can be sent via post upon request.

For further information about the course, please contact us at: office@confluxcenter.org  or  +381 631308997

Registration is open until 19^th January 2024  and can be done here:

APPLY NOW