An Initiative of the Institute for Global Negotiation
Global problems demand global solutions, and global solutions depend on effective multilateralism. Current challenges to multilateralism are driven by political tensions and power dynamics, but also because the range of tools in the negotiation toolbox is often not fully mobilized.
To address this, the Institute for Global Negotiation has launched the Global Negotiation Support initiative, designed to provide expert guidance to Chairs, Facilitators and negotiating bodies, particularly within the United Nations and other international organisations lacking dedicated negotiation units.
Our activities are tailored to the needs of specific multilateral processes, ranging from the negotiation of legally binding instruments to the negotiated outcomes for global Summits and Conferences.
Our Value Proposition: Expert Negotiation Guidance
Our mission is to offer impartial expert support for negotiation processes to be clear and predictable for all parties involved, and conducive to forge agreement. Our activities are meant to come in support of and as complement to existing structures such as Secretariats.
With modalities mutually agreed to meet evolving needs, activities can include:
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Ex-ante advice to the (co-)Chair(s)-elect/Facilitators/Bureau of a negotiation process
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Drafting/reviewing negotiation process documents to complement or fill gaps in existing rules of procedures, such as the Chair’s prerogatives, and tailored negotiation modalities
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Development of negotiation simulations, with the use of new technologies, as preparation tools that can identify potential stumbling blocks and paths forward
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Observation, analysis, and alert systems to anticipate and prevent possible deadlocks
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Ad hoc support and advice to the Chair, Facilitators and negotiation bodies on options to overcome deadlocks and reach agreements
In the medium term, aware of the need to build capacities, Global Negotiation Support intends to elaborate tools such as guidance for Chairs/Facilitators, and disseminate knowledge through conferences and workshops also open to a young audience interested in developing chairing skills.
Global Negotiation Support
Global Reach
The Global Negotiation Support initiative is centred in Geneva, and extended to multilateral hubs such as Addis Ababa, Vienna, New York, and other locations hosting multilateral negotiation processes.
Under the Global Negotiation Support initiative, the Institute for Global Negotiation has already provided pro bono services during exploratory talks with Chairs, co-Chairs, and Facilitators of particularly sensitive negotiations.
Interested in a first pro bono conversation?
For a first informal and confidential conversation free of charge to assess the potential for collaboration, please contact Dr. Jerome Bellion-Jourdan, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Global Negotiation, leading the Global Negotiation Support initiative:
Download the Global Negotiation Support one-pager:
