OVERVIEW

How do diplomats build consensus amid polarisation? Which strategic frameworks enable effective negotiation on complex global issues, including climate change, trade, or digital governance? How can negotiators reconcile strategic bargaining with the long-term need for trust and regional stability?

The ASEF Diplomatic Negotiation Action (DNA) is a four and half day training programme on diplomatic negotiations, building on  ASEF’s successful Public Diplomacy Training (ASEFPDT) Training and addresses these critical questions. In today’s complex and interconnected global landscape, the need for effective negotiation capacities has never been more pressing.

Since 2013, ASEF Governance has co-organised 12 tutored online courses and 11 face-to-face trainings for junior diplomats under Public Diplomacy Training. More than 400 participants from 52 ASEM Partners have benefited from the programme, delivered in partnership with Asian and European diplomatic academies. Diplomats depend on negotiation to build trust, find common ground, and resolve critical issues such as trade, climate change, and sustainable development.

COMPONENTS

4.5 day in-person training

OBJECTIVE

The ASEF DNA is designed to strengthen strategic thinking and diplomatic negotiation skills to address key global challenges. Participants will engage with expert trainers and seasoned negotiators from Asia and Europe. The programme offers participants the opportunity to strengthen their professional toolkit by equipping them to:

• Gain fundamental negotiation concepts for diplomatic engagement
• Identify and differentiate negotiation elements
• Recognise and manage bargaining tactics
• Build trust and relationships

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

The four and half day onsite training will take place on 18 – 22 May 2026 in Warsaw, Poland.

TARGETED PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY 

The training will target:

• Early- to mid-career diplomats working in departments dealing with Asia, Europe, or Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) affairs within Ministries of Foreign Affairs (or their equivalents) of ASEM Member countries; 
• Early- to mid-career diplomats posted by ASEM Members to other ASEM Member countries; and/or 
• Early- to mid-career diplomats engaged in bilateral and/or multilateral processes relevant to Asia-Europe relations— 

—all of whom demonstrate a strong interest in, or current involvement in, diplomatic negotiations. 

We would be delighted to welcome motivated candidates committed to further strengthening their expertise and active engagement in this field. Participant selection will be based on professional experience and overall suitability for the programme.

Participants must be citizens of eligible ASEM Partner countries, demonstrate a strong interest in diplomatic negotiation and possess working proficiency in English.

Trainings

ASEFDNA – Diplomatic Negotiation Action 2026