MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES - To help address polarization and strengthen trust and social cohesion in the Bangsamoro region, UNDP Philippines, with support from the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines, organized a training workshop on negotiation and mediation for representatives of Bangsamoro civil society organizations and sectoral groups, such as women, youth and faith-based leaders from different geographical areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Facilitated by resource persons from the Clingendael Academy—one of the largest international diplomatic training centers around the world, the training sought to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants (10 females, 21 males) in addressing divisions and resolving conflicts against the backdrop of tensions related to the recently-completed 2022 elections . Participants were trained on the use of negotiation and mediation tools to aid them in possible polarized situations, where there are multiple groups with conflicting interests, and where a collective and collaborative outcome is pivotal.

Given the critical work of sustaining the gains of the peace process, there is an urgent need to bring together representatives from civil society organizations, sectoral groups and government institutions to work together and maintain the region’s path towards sustainable and lasting peace.