2 May 2025, New York, USA — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research Office in New York, in collaboration with Columbia Law School, successfully concluded the Spring 2025 Mediation Skills Training Series at United Nations Headquarters. Led by Professor Alexandra Carter, Director of Columbia Law School’s Mediation Clinic, alongside her students from the Clinic, the three-part series provided delegates with practical training in mediation and conflict resolution, tailored for multilateral diplomacy and international negotiation.
UNITAR NYO
The series opened on 7 April with Introduction to Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of UNITAR New York Office, welcomed an audience of approximately 50 delegates and introduced Professor Carter and the Columbia Mediation Clinic team. The session laid a comprehensive foundation, covering the core principles of mediation, negotiation strategies, and ethical frameworks essential to fostering dialogue and reaching consensus in complex diplomatic contexts.
Professor Carter emphasized the centrality of deep listening and inquiry in advancing productive negotiations, stating,
The root of persuasion is understanding.
She underscored that mastering mediation not only strengthens diplomatic advocacy but also equips delegates to cultivate meaningful engagement in international forums.
UNITAR NYO
On 14 April, the series continued with Information Gathering—Communication Skills for Mediators. This session provided participants with advanced communication techniques, including active listening, strategic questioning, and reframing. These skills enable mediators to gather and analyze critical information effectively, a prerequisite for facilitating informed and balanced negotiations. Professor Carter and her team also highlighted how cultural context influences communication styles, preparing delegates to navigate diverse, cross-cultural diplomatic environments. Interactive group exercises allowed participants to apply these techniques in practical scenarios, reinforcing their ability to engage constructively.
The final session, Specialty Skills in Mediation—Generating Movement and Breaking Impasse, held on 28 April, introduced strategies to overcome deadlocks and sustain momentum in negotiations. Through case studies and collaborative exercises, delegates explored frameworks to facilitate movement between parties while supporting party self-determination and advancing mutually beneficial outcomes.
Throughout the series, approximately 50 delegates engaged in each session, contributing to vibrant dialogue, peer-to-peer collaboration, and practical skill-building. The Columbia Law School Mediation Clinic students with the support of Professor Carter, created an interactive, inclusive environment designed to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable expertise applicable in multilateral negotiations.
This Mediation Skills Training Series exemplifies UNITAR’s commitment to equipping diplomats and delegates with the tools necessary to navigate complex negotiations and build consensus on the international stage.
For more information, please contact the UNITAR office in New York at nyo@unitar.org.