Training objectives

Humanitarian practitioners increasingly operate in complex political environments. Decisions made by governments, diplomatic actors, donors and other stakeholders can have a direct impact on humanitarian access, protection, funding, policy and operations.

How can humanitarian practitioners navigate this environment effectively?

The objective of this training is to strengthen humanitarian aid workers’ understanding of humanitarian diplomacy and diplomatic practice, as well as to enhance their capacity to engage effectively with diplomatic entities. This includes representatives of a country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs – either working at the Ministry or at a representation abroad (such as an Embassy) – or staff such as attaché’s or policy officers and other relevant actors.

Programme description

The interface between the humanitarian sector and the diplomatic world is continuously growing. Closer collaboration on humanitarian files is needed to protect humanitarian space and beneficial for both aid workers and those working in diplomacy.

But what exactly is humanitarian diplomacy and how do you “do” humanitarian diplomacy? Who are the relevant actors, what interests and constraints shape their positions, and how can humanitarian aid workers engage with them effectively? What challenges might arise when priorities diverge and how do you deal with those?

At the Clingendael Institute, we are in the unique position to have worked with a diverse range of diplomatic officials, humanitarians, and international organisations for many years on a regular basis. This course brings these perspectives together and offers participants a practical exploration of the interface between humanitarian action and diplomacy. Participants will deepen their understanding of the diplomatic landscape and strengthen their ability to engage strategically with diplomats, attachés and policy officers. If your work involves advocacy, humanitarian policy, funding and donor strategies, this course will provide practical insights and tools to strengthen your humanitarian diplomacy efforts.

Profile of participants

You are a humanitarian practitioner, working for a local, national or international humanitarian organisation;

(One of your) responsibilities entail engaging with diplomatic entities (representatives of a country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs –either working at the Ministry or at a representation abroad (such as an Embassy) –or staff such as attachés or policy officers);

You engage with diplomats, attachés or policy officers on topics such as advocacy, humanitarian policy issues, funding and donor strategies;

You interact with the mentioned officials at least on a monthly basis;

You have full working proficiency in English;

You have access to a stable internet connection and laptop for the entire course;

Your organisation supports your participation for the entire course via an endorsement letter.

Humanitarian practitioners from local NGOs and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Practical details

The training will be conducted

Location: online via Zoom

Date: 17, 18, 19, 23 & 24 November 2026 (5 days)

Time: 10:00 and 16:00 CET

Language: English

Participants may be asked to conduct self-paced modules during the training in their own time. We make sure the course is interactive and includes sufficient breaks. To gain the full benefit of the training, participants are expected to attend all five training days. Those who participate fully will receive a certificate after full attendance of the course. A stable internet connection is required to properly follow the training.

This course is fully funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Questions

Please contact Sepher Kherad (skherad@clingendael.org), Sybilla Kitsios (skitsios@clingendael.org), Gina Lurvink (glurvink@clingendael.org) and Lila Kasi (lkasi@clingendael.org).

Prospective participants are requested to complete this online application form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=I80ywL69y0qGnjPrY5RXAQN_tDQEuCJEgxc03d4yTEhUMElKSDBaSlFLOVdKSzFKOVU1VkFHUFI3Vy4u&route=shorturl), which is automatically sent to the Clingendael course-coordinators. The application should be submitted in English. The application deadline is Monday 12 October.

There is space for 20 humanitarian practictioners in this course. If we receive more applications, a selection will be made based on the relevance of applicant’s professional experience and responsibilities, their motivation, and their ability to apply the learning in their work. Kindly note that an endorsement letter from your working organisation is required to participate.

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this online application form

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Eligibility

<p>Humanitarian practitioners working for local, national or international humanitarian organisations who engage with diplomatic entities at least monthly on advocacy, humanitarian policy, funding or donor strategies; full working proficiency in English; access to a stable internet connection and laptop; and organisational endorsement via an endorsement letter. Local NGO practitioners and women are especially encouraged to apply.</p>

Professional function

Humanitarian aid workers and practitioners

Capacity

20

Application link

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=I80ywL69y0qGnjPrY5RXAQN_tDQEuCJEgxc03d4yTEhUMElKSDBaSlFLOVdKSzFKOVU1VkFHUFI3Vy4u&route=shorturl