Marathon Negotiation – The Art of Negotiation Taken to the Extreme

The course will be conducted in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation provided in both languages. Pour lire la description en Français, cliquez ici.

Marathon Negotiation: a unique immersive experience

EIPA and ESSEC IRENÉ, with the support of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), are joining forces to offer you an exceptional training course: the Marathon Negotiation. Simulating the resolution of a conflict in a multilateral environment, this immersive experience, unique in its duration and nature, encourages participants to explore their limits and develop strategies to overcome them.

Objectives

This course is aimed at senior officials, representatives of states, and international and regional organisations interested in strengthening their analytical and interpersonal skills. Designed as an exercise in applying the principles of diplomatic negotiation, this course takes place in the context of complex multilateral negotiations with a high degree of power asymmetry.

The participants will acquire invaluable tools for navigating in a context marked by acute tensions and finding viable and inclusive compromises.

A multidisciplinary approach

The course adopts a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on:

• sociological analysis of the players involved in the negotiation;
• strategic mapping of interests;
• emotional intelligence applied to negotiation;
• management of power asymmetry;
• mastering good diplomatic practice;
• crisis management in a multilateral environment;
• creativity applied to conflict resolution.

Structure of the course

Over the two intense days, including an evening session, participants will have the opportunity to:

• synthesise the complex positions of multiple delegations;
• identify sticking points;
• build coalitions of interests;
• devise inclusive solutions;
• mastering the challenges of multilateral decision-making processes.

Expert guidance

Guided by a team of seasoned experts in multilateral and intercultural negotiation, participants will benefit from personalised support, enabling them to:

• receive real-time feedback on their performance;
• gain new perspectives from real diplomatic experiences;
• develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of international negotiation;
• refine their mediation and conflict resolution techniques in multi-dimensional environments.

Expected outcome

The challenge of this simulation is to draw up a lasting agreement that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders. The Marathon Negotiation offers a unique opportunity to develop essential skills worthy of best-practice negotiators in a stimulating and realistic setting.

OIF partnership

Since 2006, the partnership between EIPA and the OIF has proved to be a fruitful and strategic one for the development of thematic training projects for French-speaking diplomats and senior officials.

This partnership is based on a shared vision of building the capacity of key players in the field of diplomacy, particularly in contexts where the stakes of power are often unbalanced.

The OIF’s support for this training course is an opportunity to innovate and contribute to the development of participants’ negotiation skills, while strengthening the presence and influence of French-speaking countries on the international stage.

Course methodology

The course applies an inductive method that allows participants to experience a complex situation and, thanks to the trainers, to learn from it to complete their negotiation tools.

This method, which has proved its worth in the field of negotiation training, is applied here in a unique environment for personalised learning.

The course aims to help participants:

• develop advanced negotiation and mediation skills in the context of a complex conflict;
• understand the dynamics and issues involved in a lengthy negotiation process;
• acquire interpersonal and argumentative techniques to promote inclusion and maintain dialogue between stakeholders over a long period;
• manage the fatigue, stress, and emotions inherent in marathon negotiations;
• overcome impasses and relaunch negotiations at difficult and conflictual moments;
• learn how to effectively involve various stakeholders, including civil society;
• acquire techniques for building trust and cooperation between the parties involved.

Audience:

• EU and non-EU countries
• EEAS
• neighbouring states
• international organisations represented in Brussels such as: UN, NATO, OEACP, OIF and its member states, CEDEAO, AU, ADB
• international organisations: AU, APSA
• regional organisations: UMA, COMESA, CEN-SAD, CAE, CEEAC
• military bodies: ministry, institution, NATO, acting between administrative and operational
• offices of targeted departments of the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, and defence
• civil society: NGOs
• mediation groups

Project number: 2510905

Course venue
European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA)
O.L. Vrouweplein 22
6211 HE, Maastricht
The Netherlands

Project Management Officer
Ms Noëlle Debie
Tel: +31 6 54 61 24 96
n.debie@eipa.eu

Simultaneous interpretation
This course is offered with simultaneous interpretation in both English and French.

Fee
The fee includes a welcome cocktail, documentation, refreshments, lunches, and a dinner. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

Discounts
EIPA member fee
EIPA offers a discount to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s supporting countries, and civil servants working for an EU institution, body or agency.

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies.

Early bird discount
The early bird discount is not cumulative with other discounts or promo codes, except for the EIPA member fee.

Loyalty coupon
As a token of appreciation we offer all our participants a loyalty coupon for one of our future courses. The offer can be shared with colleagues and relevant networks. The coupon will expire one year after its release. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts, except for the EIPA member fee.

Meals
Dietary preferences can be indicated on the registration form.

Hotels
EIPA has a special price arrangement with a few hotels. The hotels are within walking distance of EIPA. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel upon checking out.

• Derlon If you wish to take advantage of this special price, please click on the hotel name to book directly using the link
  info@derlon.com
  +31 (0)43 321 67 70
• Townhouse If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@townhousehotels.nl
  +31 (0)43 323 30 90
• Mabi If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@hotelmabi.nl
  +31 (0)43 351 44 44
• Kaboom Hotel If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA’ in the promotion code field
  info@kaboomhotel.nl
  +31 (0)43 325 33 40
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel
  reservations.maastrichtcitycenter@leonardo-hotels.nl
• The Social Hub If you wish to take advantage of the special price, use the word ‘EIPA2026’ in the promotion code field

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed online registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation.

Cancellation policy
For administrative reasons you will be charged €150 for cancellations received within 15 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants.

EIPA reserves the right to cancel the activity up to 2 weeks before the starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).

A few days before the start of the course you will receive the log-in details for accessing the course materials. You can log in here.