Forward Thinking offers congratulations on the launch of Shades Negotiation Pilot Program for Emerging Leaders, April 2013

Forward Thinking offers its sincere congratulations to Shades, which has just launched its first Negotiation Pilot Program for Emerging Leaders.The pilot program will provide training in negotiation and leadership skills (such as community organisation) to twenty-two Israelis and Palestinians from a range of sectors and backgrounds. Over several months, training sessions will take place in both the West Bank and Israel and will be taught by experts in negotiation and conflict resolution.Additionally,as part of the program the fellows will travel to Northern Ireland where, under the guidance of Reverend Gary Mason, they will have the chance to experience first-hand other groups’ transition from a bloody conflict reality to post conflict reality and challenges, and will have the opportunity to learn new approaches and acquire important tools and skills for shaping the future of Israel/Palestine.Forward Thinking believes that grass-roots initiatives such as the Shades Negotiation Program are a vital step in creating the conditions for a sustainable peace in the region.