12 October 2026, Geneva, Switzerland – Nominations are open until 1 November 2026 for the Doha Best Negotiator of the Year Award 2026. The award will be presented during Doha World Negotiation Day on 7 December 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

Hosted by UNITAR in collaboration with the Doha Forum and QatarDebate, this year’s edition will focus on the theme “Trust-building as a foundation for effective multilateral negotiation: shaping the future of diplomacy”.

The award recognises an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding negotiation skills and achievements on the international stage, contributing to the peaceful resolution of complex challenges through diplomacy and dialogue.

An international jury comprising prominent negotiators and diplomatic leaders will select the recipient. The award honours exemplary leadership, creativity and resilience in navigating high-stakes negotiations and achieving meaningful outcomes.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• Uphold the values of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly respect for fundamental human rights, human dignity and the equal rights of women, men and nations.
• Demonstrate integrity throughout the negotiation process.
• Conduct negotiations ethically and responsibly.
• Demonstrate experience in negotiations involving multiple stakeholders.
• Successfully navigate high-stakes negotiations and reach solutions acceptable to all parties concerned.
• Contribute through negotiation to the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights or the advancement of a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.

Nominations must be submitted by 1 November 2026 via email to dwnd@unitar.org.

For the eligibility criteria and further information, visit the official Doha World Negotiation Day 2026 webpage.

Nomination deadline: 1 November 2026

Award ceremony: 7 December 2026, Doha, Qatar

Submission email: dwnd@unitar.org