Peace Negotiation Training at Europe Café
Ten students from the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs participated in the first training workshop on “Negotiations in Peace Processes,” organized by the Institute for Democracy and Development (I4DD) and DCAF, with support from Sweden. Hosted at Europe Café, the workshop marked their appointment as Peace Ambassadors.
The group — five young women and five young men preparing for careers in law enforcement — explored the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda and Moldova’s second National Action Plan for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2023–2027). The training covered negotiation stages, psychology, principles, relationship-building, strategies, and gender-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding.
Through practical exercises, case studies, and role-playing, participants examined how to counter gender stereotypes and biases in peace negotiations.
They identified gender-based inequalities, developed skills to formulate negotiation offers, build credible communication, and apply terminology related to conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding. They also explored power imbalances and the responsibilities of negotiators in ensuring more resilient peace processes.
Topics discussed over the two-day workshop included:
– the roles of women and men in pre-, during, and post-negotiation phases
– the cycle of inequality in peacetime and how it worsens during conflicts
– specific barriers and threats faced by women and children
– the vital contribution of women to peace efforts
A highlight of the training was a session led by Ukraine’s former Minister for Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons (2016–2019), who shared first-hand experience from Ukraine.
This activity supports the implementation of Moldova’s National Action Plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (approved by Government Decision No. 152/2023) and strengthens cooperation between I4DD and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The workshop provided a platform for women and men to engage in dialogue, share power, and influence peace negotiation processes together. It was part of the project “Strengthening Peace, Human Rights, and the Role of Women in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and Community Resilience,” implemented by I4DD in partnership with DCAF and supported by Sweden.
