Negotiation Training for Sudanese Youth

On September 7, 2011, Academy staff Linda Bishai and Jacqueline Wilson led a half-day workshop for ten Sudanese youth leaders visiting as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program at the Department of State.  Although most of the participants, including two women, were from the Khartoum area, they represented a range of political parties and various professional backgrounds.  Many in the group had traveled outside Sudan, but none had previously visited the U.S.  

After a general introduction to USIP and its Sudan programs, Bishai and Wilson led the group in discussions about negotiation and conflict styles, identity and stereotyping, and mediation and communication.  Despite acrimonious relations among various political parties back in Khartoum, the  youth leaders were active and alert and had a friendly and warm demeanor during the training at USIP.  During one educational game about the many identities that individuals embody, the participants remarked about the surprising insights they learned about each other and about the facilitators.  The discussion about negotiation and mediation also drew active participation and comments.  One of the interpreters mentioned that the USIP training was more engaging and stimulating than what the group had seen elsewhere.

The training produced tangible outcomes as the visitors took note of USIP’s website, Arabic-versions of online courses, and contact information for USIP staff.  The participants may well serve as useful points of contact in future USIP activities in Khartoum.

View a slideshow of the training

Explore Further

• Countries and Regions: Sudan
• USIP on the Two Sudans
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