The Causeway Initiative, in partnership with the British Embassy in Moldova, has recently completed a programme of training for ‘young professionals’ involved in political or civil society initiatives working in Chisinau and Tiraspol.
The programme included capacity building workshops focused on the Northern Ireland peace process and training in negotiation skills. 2-day workshop sessions were held in Chisinau and Tiraspol in December 2015.
Chisinau Delegates
December Workshops in Chisinau and Tiraspol
Tiraspol Delegates
A further 2-day workshop was held in Bender in February 2016 that focussed on the technical skills required to develop and deliver a negotiating strategy. This was followed by a simulated dialogue based on a scenario drawn directly from the Good Friday Agreement negotiations.
Tiraspol delegates during simulated negotiations session
A team from Chisinau completed a 4-day study visit to Belfast in February 2016 where they undertook negotiation skills workshops, met politicians and civil society leaders who were involved in the Northern Ireland peace-process and briefed the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
Chisinau delegates participate in simulated negotiations in Belfast
In March feedback sessions were held in Chisinau and in Tiraspol where delegates were able to present their thoughts and observations on the programme to the British Ambassador HE Philip Batson.
Delegates from Chisinau with HE Phil Batson after feedback session