ZIF offers peace mediation training module for German diplomats

Together with partner organisations, ZIF was responsible for a three-day learning unit on peace mediation for prospective diplomats of the Federal Foreign Office. The training year of the so-called 79th cohort or crew is currently underway - around 75 people who were able to win through in a very complex selection process and will start their diplomatic careers in the summer. In this context, ZIF organised and moderated three intensive days focusing on the topic of peace mediation. 

A first introduction to peace mediation as a versatile module

The ZIF team implemented these learning units together with experts from the Berghof Foundation, the Berlin Centre for Integrative Mediation (CSSP), the Catholic University of Applied Sciences NRW and inmedio. This gave the participants both theoretical and practical insights into the subject area. The Federal Foreign Office’s mediation team followed on from this and explained how mediation and diplomacy can intertwine in everyday working life in the future. Dr Juan Diaz-Prinz offered valuable insights into his practical work as a peace mediator of many years' standing. 

The main aim of the three-day module was to develop a common understanding of peace mediation. The participants found the case simulation particularly valuable, in which they were able to slip into the roles of mediators and conflict parties themselves in order to put the knowledge they had learnt into practice. The trainers also drew a positive conclusion - such as Dirk Splinter from inmedio: ‘This training gives you the feeling that you are in exactly the right place and working with the right participants. There is a high probability that many of them will end up in positions in the course of their careers where knowledge of the possible applications of different peace mediation formats can make a big difference.’ 

As part of the career path, the Federal Foreign Office offers further modules, additional training, relevant posts abroad and also secondment opportunities in the field of peace mediation, which are already being utilised by some German diplomats. ‘For most people, it sharpens their focus and perception so that entry points and the right support can be identified in the right places and at the right times. (...) The fact that the Federal Foreign Office enables a constant ‘regrowth’ of further cohorts is a really clever and strategically important decision,’ says Christoph Lüttmann from CSSP.

ZIF has been involved in the training of future diplomats for years with modules and learning units and currently has a third-party funded project to promote and strengthen peace mediation capacities.