QRCS Concludes Regional Workshop on "Frontline Humanitarian Negotiation Management"

Doha, October 05 (QNA) - The three-day regional workshop on "Frontline Humanitarian Negotiation Management", co-organized by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN) concluded Wednesday. The objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of humanitarian workers in planning and conducting negotiations in humanitarian contexts. The participants learned how to analyze the settings of negotiations, identify the role and influence of relevant stakeholders, develop different strategies to achieve negotiation goals, and some procedural tools and techniques to support negotiation processes. The sessions covered a number of important topics, including: (1) Challenges to and Dilemmas of Humanitarian Negotiation; (2) Planning for Humanitarian Negotiation; (3) Context Analysis: Facts and Social Standards; (4) Making Use of Influence: Outline the Network of Stakeholder Relations; (5) Tactical Paths: Classification of Humanitarian Negotiations; (6) Understanding the Counterpart (Peer) in Negotiation: The Negotiation Iceberg; (7) Determination of the Goals and Priorities of Your Negotiations; (8) Designing Scenarios and Defining Red Lines and Minimum Limits for Negotiation; and (9) Legitimacy of the Negotiator. Several methodologies were used, including brainstorming, exercises, and group discussions. A simulated scenario was conducted, including preparations, round 1 of negotiation, negotiation strategy readjustment, and round 2 of negotiation. In his closing remarks, Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, CEO of QRCS, stated, "I am confident that this event, which is the first of its kind in Qatar, has successfully achieved its goal of introducing specialized international expertise in an essential subject for humanitarian workers, especially those who work in conflict zones. To respond to the consequent humanitarian crises and help the victims to restore their normal lives, they need to utilize effective negotiation mechanisms to resolve difficult situations in the field and handle some of the complications involved". Cherine Pollini, Head of ICRC Mission in Qatar, said, "I heard and witnessed not only a participation, but a real and genuine engagement. I think it was shared by everybody. You have seen that humanitarian negotiation is not an easy business. You lived it on a daily basis as well. This event lays the ground for further events of that type. Of course, we will continue the cooperation with QRCS. It is thanks to a partner like QRCS that we can have this kind of events". (QNA)