All training courses, course materials, interactive tools, and publications were developed by the Mediation Support Project (MSP). The Mediation Support Project (MSP) was founded in 2005 as a joint venture between the Swiss Peace Foundation (swisspeace) and the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at the ETH Zurich. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is the initiator and main partner of MSP. The project supports mediators and conflict parties in gaining knowledge and skills for effective peace negotiations.
The Mediation Support Project's training program comprises a variety of activities. Since its establishment in 2005, MSP conducted over 20 seminars, workshops, and trainings ranging from a half-day introduction to mediation, a two-day strategy workshop for a mediation engagement, up to three-week Peace Mediation Courses.
Specialized trainings for people planning to work in or on conflicts as mediators, experts, donors, or advisers usually take one to three weeks. The focus of the training varies according to the needs and requirements of the trainees.
Trainings for negotiating parties are usually carried out in support of the efforts of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations, or other NGOs. Trainings may focus on negotiation skills, the structure of a mediation process, or the actual issues of the negotiations (e.g. wealth-sharing, security, etc.).
Sensitivity trainings raise awareness of people working abroad (in particular diplomatic, humanitarian, and development staff) for the needs of peace processes and mediation. Such events may last only one or two days and offer a glimpse into the potential cross-fertilization of different branches of international cooperation.
College and high-school classes (half day) raise awareness for peace policy and familiarize students with instruments to tackle conflicts without resorting to violence.
Training Tools and Resources are available on this website for free for any person interested in mediation. In addition, MSP developed a series of role plays and exercises, which are used in mediation trainings.
All seminars and workshops are adapted to the specific needs of the audience. Tailor-made trainings are our speciality. Your needs and aims are centre-stage. Send an email to info@peacemediation.ch to get more information or to discuss your training requirements.
