Led by Alexandra Carter, Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School, the programme deepened participants’ understanding of mediation processes and enhanced their ability to navigate complex negotiations and disputes in international and institutional settings.

Through this longstanding partnership with Columbia Law School, UNITAR continues to provide practitioner-led training opportunities that equip professionals with tools to support diplomacy, consensus-building, and constructive engagement. Delivered through a blended format of five virtual sessions and three in-person roleplay trainings, the course combined theoretical learning with hands-on practice over 24 hours of instruction. 

Throughout the programme, Professor Carter was joined by Clinic leaders Ezriel Gelbfish and Ani Ghazarian, who played a central role in delivering the training and facilitating interactive exercises. Together, the instructional team guided participants through key elements of mediation, including communication techniques, negotiation strategies, and the ethical and legal frameworks underpinning dispute resolution.  

The programme concluded with in-person roleplay sessions, where participants strengthened their ability to navigate challenging mediation scenarios and collaborative problem-solving processes, while applying practical mediation and conflict resolution skills.

The programme supports UNITAR’s broader mission to enhance the capacities of individuals and institutions working to advance peace and effective multilateral cooperation. 

Participants who successfully completed the programme received a certificate of completion recognizing their active engagement and strengthened mediation expertise.