On June 27–28, 2000, the United States Institute of Peace conducted a symposium designed to explore the best training practices, current and future, in selected areas of critical importance to the growing conflict management community. The meeting brought together more than fifty funders, providers, and consumers of training to examine, affirm, and, in many instances, question the effectiveness of today's training practices and the systems that support them. Eight topics were selected and eight papers were commissioned to frame the discussion for this event. Comments were taken in both plenary and breakout sessions on both days. It was evident throughout the course of the symposium that the group also wanted to explore potential problems and alternative solutions, as well as to recognize some things that have both current and lasting value. This report, prepared by the Institute's Training Program staff, summarizes those papers and discussions and offers some insights into the core concerns of the conflict management community and the ability of training practitioners to be successful in the complex environment in which they operate today.

Robert M. Schoenhaus is a former program officer in the Training Program at the United States Institute of Peace and is currently editor-in-chief of international publications for Tax Analysts in Arlington, Virginia.