Event details
This year’s Annual Meeting explored frontline negotiations in a number of contexts, from Myanmar, Colombia, South Sudan, to the Lake Chad and Middle East regions. Cross-cutting issues such as engagements with non-state armed groups as well as the negotiation of protection arrangements were also analysed. A High-Level Segment of the Annual Meeting examined the interactions between humanitarian negotiation and political mediation.
Panels and group discussions offered opportunities to engage in practical and grounded exchanges on the challenges and dilemmas of negotiating in particular operational contexts, as well as reflections on the strategies of humanitarian negotiation. Additional transversal sessions addressed cross-cutting issues such as negotiating protection arrangements, engaging with non-state armed groups, or the relationship between humanitarian negotiation and political mediation.
The Second Annual Meeting of Frontline Negotiators was a closed event with a limited capacity of 120 experienced participants. Field practitioners played a critical role in the debates at the Annual Meeting. A minimum of 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in humanitarian negotiation was expected from all participants so as to be in a position to contribute to the deliberations.
Report
Made possible thanks to the support of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Cover Photo: A displaced man walks across the parched land outside of Maiduguri, Nigeria (MackenzieKnowles-Coursin/ICRC)