BACKGROUND

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) programme. 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.

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) programme and addresses these critical questions. In today’s complex and interconnected global landscape, the need for effective negotiation capacities has never been more pressing.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the programme is to strengthen participants’ strategic thinking and diplomatic negotiation capacities by equipping them with essential negotiation concepts and practical tools for effective diplomatic engagement.  Participants will engage with expert trainers and experienced negotiators from across Asia and Europe.

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental negotiation concepts for diplomatic engagement.
• Identify and analyse key negotiation elements and dynamics.
• Recognise and effectively manage bargaining tactics.
• Build and sustain trust and professional relationships in negotiation processes.
• Understand the potential application of AI tools in negotiation preparation and decision-making
• Expand professional networks among Asian and European diplomats, fostering the exchange of experiences and promoting deeper mutual understanding of Asia–Europe relations.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

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

For further details on the programme content, please kindly refer to the Training Leaflet.  

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. 

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

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. 

Expected profile of the candidate

• At least 3 years of diplomatic working experience
• Currently working as a diplomat in the Asia-Europe context and involved in negotiations
• High proficiency in English
• Interest in negotiation

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Nominated candidates are required to complete the online application form by:  

Friday, 13 March 2026 (23:59, Singapore Time) 

As part of the application, candidates must upload a formal nomination (a signed letter in an official letterhead or email nomination from official email address) issued by the nominating Ministry, outlining the candidate’s  suitability for the programme and explaining how their participation aligns with the Ministry’s institutional priorities and ongoing work in diplomatic negotiations. 

While Ministries may nominate multiple candidates, please be advised that, owing to capacity constraints, the programme will accommodate approximately 25 participants in total. 

For any enquiries, please contact Ms. Armi Hannele AARNI, Associate Director (Governance) and May Thway KO, Senior Project Executive via email at governance@asef.org. Further information about the training programme can be found on our official website here, as well as in the Training Leaflet.  

*Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia,  Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Vietnam

All ASEF projects are implemented in line with the decision of the ASEF Board of Governors.