my worse moment --- Once a young girl meaning good showed concern on the reason a senior delegate was limping.....the answer was a wooden leg following an encounter with a shark....I never was so embarrassed and kept thinking why did you ask.......????? ....i learned my lesson !

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

un general assembly --- i was in the UN general assembly room 2 days ago and indeed it is very impressive! i cant imagine a non trained person to be able to speak there

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Friendly clothes --- In South Sudan the way you dress matters a lot, you will always be given a special seat in any gathering.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Social media personal use --- Adrienn. It's important to add disclaimer if you mentioned the name of the employer you are working with.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

The Media and Pandora's Box --- Thanks Mohamed. I referred in another response to the fact that sensationalist media with no interest in facts or truth have been with us around the world forever. It's important that your organisation has a way (through local contacts) of filtering these "yellow press" outlets out of your main lines of work.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

NewsGamer --- Thanks Adrienn. This looks interesting, but I suppose it's restricted to the topics chosen by the company.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Social media presence --- Adrienn, I think this depends on the audience you want to reach. Some audiences use one app, others use another, and so on. I think organisations should use as many as necessary to reach important audiences.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Selfies --- Thanks Adrienn and Eefjie. Also in this frame are the use of TikTok and such programs for video selfies. Politicians in Australia, now that we are gearing up for general elections in May, are doing TikTok selfies of themselves talking to their constituents. Sometimes the constituent makes the TikTok and publishes it, which has had one (so far) unfortunate outcome when the constituent made an insulting remark about the Prime Minister. It went viral, as you can imagine.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Introducing important people --- Thanks Adrienn. This practice exists in many settings, and not at all only in Spanish-speaking countries.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Accurate interpretation --- Thanks Eefjie. This is not at all uncommon.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Qualifications of Ambassadors --- Mohamed, as Ambassadors were originally the personal nominees of the king or head of state, and still are in protocol terms, their other qualifications are not considered relevant. Some countries have a long tradition of sending political or family friends of their leaders the issue of them being "junior" isn't normally an issue. There are times. however, when a blatantly unsuitable nomination could be an issue. This is usually resolved when the sending state seeks the agreement (agrément) to a nomination, and that should put the issue to bed.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

social media personal use --- Also, it is important how humanitarian workers use their personal accounts, what content they share there. It also influences the image of the organization.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Key Messages --- Well put Terez. Aside from consistency, it also amplifies and reinforces the key messages from the respective institutions in various platforms.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Not easy to grasp it --- Sometimes, it opens a pandoro box if reacted by unskillful com FO. In the context of Somalia, a lot of unethical media outlets and it is difficult to manage without proper COM department.

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Formalities --- I believe every structure has its formalities. They only vary in degree and levels of applications.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Media pressure --- a focal spokesperson will help in such as cases and in the meantime, communicating the media groups in the said context but also the wider media outlets on the basis of fundamental humanitarian principles works I guess.

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Use of Briefing Notes --- This is an interesting comment. I have always thought that a briefing note is a sure way to bring both parties to the same page on the matter. I guess sometimes we have to be organic and let the process shape itself.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Acknowledging & Respecting local Context --- It is important to understand, recognize and appreciate the local dynamics which might influence the conversations.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Rules of Protocol --- Its is important to familiarize yourself with this rules before engaging with a stakeholder or actor. Further respecting and showing courtesy to this rules is crucial to how the other party will perceive you.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

limit to social media presence --- How many platforms should an organization use? Is there a number that is best not to exceed? Sometimes it feels like being present on 6-7 platforms is just too much.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Risks and benefits of the use of social media --- The use of social media has both negative and positive aspects in the context of humanitarian diplomacy. HD should take into account the wrong perception that can be created by those commenting the points made and for better mitigation measures COM department must be utilized to minimize the effects if any.

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Sign language --- I agree Christopher. It is very impressive indeed. In the Netherlands, the corona press conferences have been made accessible to the deaf through a sign language interpreter, which led to not only more visibility but even to a bill to (finally) recognize sign language as an official language.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Strategic seating --- Definitely an important point to be aware of. During round tables at the Parliament I always advise to take the seat next to the chairman, since you will often be the first to speak and therefore also the most likely to be remembered. However, it could be a strategic choice to be the last speaker at the event so your contribution will be fresh in the memory of the audience.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Data dumping --- When giving a speech it is also important to present supporting evidence in a balanced way. Giving too much data/numbers to the audience can be overwhelming for them. Less is more sometimes.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Missing Maps --- This initiative is indeed very important, for engaging different kind of volunteers and making enormous steps in disaster response and preparedness (early warning, early action). In the Netherlands we also have school projects about this and even managed to organize a Mapathon session with MPs about this. Unfortunately, it did not take place due to COVID..

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

personal comments --- Yes, especially when the partner is sharing some personal comments or background information that is only known to a limited number of people, it's important to put the pen down and listen. They are more willing to share when there'll be no written trace of it.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

WhatsApp Latin America --- It's funny you mention this. WhatsApp is so popular here in Ecuador that sometimes Note verbale-s are sent through WhatsApp first and by e-mail later. It happened to me once when I was organizing the visit of a delegation that my e-mails were not read by the protocol officers in time at one of the relevant ministries, they only processed the information they received by WhatsApp. It was quite a learning curve for me.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Connecting through Twitter --- I often tweet about debates or important questions from politicians. The MPs really appreciate this as this is a way for them to show to their public and constituencies what they are doing and achieving. Also, I have been approached several times by politicians with additional questions, after mentioning them on Twitter.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Spanish-speaking world --- Not just in Latin America but in Spain as well it is customary to recognize the presence and address all important personalities in the room. It can lead to reeeaaallly long introductions (2-3 minutes). Although if someone is left out usually doesn't have serious consequences (or his/her aides warn the speaker and he/she can mentioned the person left out, at the end of the speech).

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Importance of accurate translation --- Thank you for this interesting point. At high-level meetings, you also see that some high representatives bring their own interpreters to make sure that their words are translated exactly as they intend and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

lowering level of representation --- After the 2018 presidential election in Venezuela that was deemed undemocratic by the European Union, EU Members States decided to lower their level of representation. Since then new HoMs (head of mission) are accredited as chargé d'affaires.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

selfies --- Selfies has become such an ordinary part of diplomatic life in Latin America that nowadays, where it is explicitly not prohibited, it's considered permitted and high ranking government officials are also up for taking selfies most of the time.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Evaluation of HD challenges --- Yes there are resources but there are quite distince aspects to HD that require a different approach from much of the evaluation done in the humanitarian field. The defintion of success is harder to establish, the extent to which HD itslef brought about a change rather than other factors eg new people coming into key roles, the timespan over which it works all make it difficult. However, there are techniques such as process mapping, contribution analysis, case sutdy techniques, action research that can help.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

defunct apps --- so true about the risks- there are so many new apps and platforms that die a death quickly when people don't have time/inclincation to keep updating information and/or they are not promoted. Efforts to have inter-agency combined apps are a step in the right direction but hard to coordinate.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Chairing in online context --- I wonder if there are trainigns for chairing processes in online context. There are definitely ones for workshop facilitation. There are very different skillsets needed - both "hard" skills of being able to use different technologies and different "soft" skills - reading body language is much harder online!

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Pros and cons of games --- These are really interesting examples I've not come across before. Benefits include making issues more accessible and reaching audiences that a more formal communicaiton such as briefing notes or media article might not. A con could be the reduction of issues to games - and that they might also convey that some of htese issues are easy to resolve. They might not be taken seriously.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

CEAand communicaiton collaboration --- In a Red Cross context communit engagement and accountability colleauges as well as communicaiton colleagues can be valuable to identify the key communicaiton channels important to reach different audiences. These days mutiple channels are necessary. But there can also be a huge amount of effort spent and wasted providing content to the wrong channels to reach key audiences.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

4 categories of audience --- Really interesting way to break it down - and hard to hit all four sometimes given different interests and modes of communication. But at least it reassures when there are very few in the room actually listening that they are not the only audience. NB UK government debates have this at heart with empassioned speeches at times to catch the twitter ground with a soundbite - not focused at all on their fellow MPs!

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

fake accounts & funding --- besides the various accounts that get set up impersonating the organizations fundraising and actually end up tricking people - Ukrainian red cross had a post (almost weekly) stating their accounts were getting hacked and that people should double check who they're donating to

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

freedom of speech vs representing foreign agendas --- increasingly, and esp in conflict settings, blocking social media apps/killing the internet/blackouts/censorship/etc... are being increasingly used by governments - and in many instances persecuting individuals as they may be informing the immediate and/or global public about the situation which counters their statements or to keep things quiet to minimise foreign intervention. This has raised various conversations such as 1) freedom of speech - esp. media coverage and media outlets/journalists 2) government-shaming or exposure is being translated as foreign tactics/backed up by foreign players to destabilise the situation and/or 3) are using footage from other contexts to stir public emotions

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

unaware or political agenda? --- there are also many examples that journalists are quite aware but the media outlet has its own strategy on how to frame topics for their audiences

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

death by powerpoint --- PPTs can be so powerful and equally deadly. With presentations - and especially virtual - its important that a person develops the skill to use their tone, volume, and words strategically but also in a way to emphasize importance, transition, problem areas, etc... which also helps in keeping engagement - so the presenter themselves can potentially sail through even if the proposed PPT format and key rules to keep in mind aren't followed too closely

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

and perceptions --- i think it also reflects if you know the "game" rules and how long you might have been around - its like a first impression that may impact how people feel towards the person

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

Use of vedios --- Thanks Fritz Pinnow for this comment. I agree with you. Some videos can deliver powerful messages better and it might be easy to remember when you watch videos. In today's use of internet, we have to strategically think about the means we have at our disposal.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Rehearsal is very important --- To be able to speak from the heart, the presenter should be be to make enough rehearsals to enable him putting together the most important parts of the speech. Failure to do this might lead to negative impression about the person and it will also affect the the institution represented and the message might not be passed accordingly.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Use of idioms --- As a HDiplomat, its good to consider cultural dynamics when speaking because some cultures use idioms to emphasize and pass key messages.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Documents for the press --- This makes the work of humanitarian work easier and makes your message delivered timely. We always prepare it well in advance and fine tune it to make sure the wording is not sensitive to parties to the conflict. We had a case where our press release touched some nerves and we had to use our HDiplomacy skills to cool down interlocutors.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Nominating junior people as Ambassadors --- Thanks Lessur for flagging this. In Somalia, we had a situation where our country sent someone considered to be 'unqualified and very junior' to be an ambassador to another strategic country. This came following misunderstanding between the two government on regional issues.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Impact interpretation --- Thanks Sepideh and Fanny. My eyes have been widened in recent years by the decisions taken at many levels in Australia to bring Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) to meetings and events. The way these people are able to incorporate amazing body language and speed skills into simultaneous interpretation is extraordinary. Sometimes I wish I could use sign language myself as the body language often seems to be much more convincing than the spoken word.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Media pressure on humanitarian work --- Etienne, in many cases it's best if you have a person set aside to be the spokesperson. That assures consistency of message and it also means that your operational people don't get distracted by the media badgering them for news 24/7. Not always easy, but a good thing to attempt.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

The right language 3 --- (3) In my early days in the Foreign Ministry I found that my English, with some Australian pronunciation and turns of phrase was not easy for some other people despite them being native English speakers in their own countries. Over time I evolved an English of my own which sometimes leads to my fellow Australians asking me where I'm from.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

The right language 2 --- (2) a colleague in the Swiss Foreign Ministry telling me in 2000 that Embassies were directed to use only Swiss official languages in their formal office communications. Not English, this meant, and my friend told me that this was not practical as many UN documents were only available in English and anyway there are Swiss officials who often used English to communicate with each other as they were better in English than in the "home" languages of even some others in their own office.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

The right language 1 --- Thanks for this Fanny, and you make me smile. I remember two things in particular on this: (1) a French person who was very senior in the International Atomic Energy Agency telling me, in 1969, that the Foreign Ministry in Paris had directed all French nationals working for the Agency to use only French at all meetings. This didn't work but it caused a lot of trouble for a while.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Media team --- Very true Jaime. It's however a sad fact that a lot of smaller organisations simply don't have the resources to provide this strength. Partnerships and alliances can sometimes be useful for this.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Key messages --- Thanks Terez. Consistency of message is vitally important, and the agreed message should also be shared with others who might need it - in a case like that which you mention, with IFRC for use in Geneva or New York, or Panama. For example.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Uptick --- Thanks Kylea, and yes it was. At that time this number of hits was seen as quite extraordinary and the concept of clickbait wasn't well identified. We need to be clearer on this in future and to take Maria's comment on board too.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Markets - word choice --- Kylea, this word is used because it corresponds to the way advertising and media companies refer to the populations to which they target their messages. Maybe we should say this a bit more clearly.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Formalities and ancient rituals --- Thanks Kylea. Yes, what you say is correct enough but it is also the way a lot of business is still managed. It is however adapted to local circumstances and cultures, and I've seen various monarchies in the developing world which have happily adopted some of the most curious colonial protocol traditions. The same applies to religious hierarchies.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Non-verbal negativity --- Thanks Jaime. I've found that it's sometimes possible in these circumstances to go back to a friend at a senior level in that organisation with some gentle questions. The usual answer is that no negativity was intended (despite it being obvious) and we sometimes got what we were looking for after some good side coffees.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Preparing for a speech --- Thanks Chloe and Kylea. I'll never forget that we once arranged for the President of a National Society (not to be named) was tasked by us in IFRC to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. The person accepted, of course, but the day before told me that the prospect of speaking to the world was so terrifying that special preparations had been undertaken. I wondered what had been done, and the answer was that the speech had been delivered multiple times in the hotel room to the mirror. Anyway, it worked.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Speaking from the heart --- Thanks Eefjie. Speaking from the heart does not mean that the speaker should disengage his brain.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Virtual protocol --- Yes, Chloe. In the Australia Myanmar Institute to which I adhere we have a monthly webinar on issues of relevance in Myanmar. The topics can be very sensitive so we always start by saying that the zoom session is being recorded but that the recording won't be released without the consent of the speakers. We also disguise the identity of participants who are concerned about the impact on their security if their names or faces are disclosed. The meeting is then conducted under the quite strict control of the moderator.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Answering questions --- Lessur, why do you say "don't give direct answers"? In my experience there are times when direct Yes or No answers are a good idea. They can also help build your credibility if used wisely.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Taking notes or recording a meeting --- Thanks Fritz, Lessur and Eefjie. Eefjie's reference to Twitter is important and we should cover it in the next edition of this Module. We see more and more of this kind of tweeting these days and most of the people I know hate it. Meetings are supposed to be between those present, and tweeting them out (to invite instructions from somewhere?) would be as worrying as broadcasting it out as a live stream. Only with permission, I'd say.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Podium and papers --- Good comment, Fritz. You're right about a podium speech but the use of what might be a written speech for a conversation can have an unsettling effect on the others present.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Impact of titles --- Thanks for this discussion, Lessur, Mohamed and Kylea. Knowing of the egos involved and their sensitivities in their own domestic contexts I've always erred on the upside of people when addressing them. Yes, Kylea, we might bolster egos by doing this but if the objective is to get agreement and a result the ego bolstering is an easy price to pay. You do, however, have to make sure that bolstering one person doesn't disaffect others around the table or in that person's team.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

LinkedIn followings --- Thanks Nathalie. A difficulty with hashtags is that they are usually specifically set up by a creator and there is so much duplication - names so close as to be really the same, but with a word different - that it's hard to assess the totality of real following of a topic.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Polls for evaluation --- Yes indeed Nathalie, but there are many countries where a poll could not be easily engaged, especially at the site of a disaster or in a conflict situation.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Commitments and junior people --- Thanks for opening this thread Lessur. Fanny's point about processes is important, but the optics of the signing person's seniority can often play an important part in terms of securing the seniority of the main implementing party and the clout of that person in that country's implementing processes now and into the future.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Culture simulation --- Thanks Nathalie. This is interesting and I'll look at it more carefully when there's time to do so. At first glance the decision to drop the simulation looks a bit odd.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

LinkedIn as social media --- Thanks Nathalie. We should probably add LinkedIn here. It isn't normally associated with social media of the Facebook variety but it is good for the purposes we mention in this paragraph. We use it for this course, for example.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Informality --- Very well put Sayedeh, and I would add that in doubt, remain formal, you will be on the safe side !

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Disinformation --- Etienne, I would agree with you in the case when the disinformation simply intensifies some mistakes which happened in the field. But when we are confronted to blatant lies, furthermore in a context where everybody lies all the time (or maybe one party lies even more than the other), the disinformation fades away rapidly. I hope the near future proves me right !

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Recording --- Right you are Fanny, and you would never ask a President or a Minister if you can record the meeting. (Although they might do it on their side, but they will not tell you about it). Besides, knowing that you are recording the conversation might give you a false feeling of comfort, resulting in less concentration on your part during the meeting.

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Protocol --- Absolutly Fanny, and let us look at it just as an expression of politeness and good manners!

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Importance of international protocol --- Eventhough protocol in international setting might seem out-fashioned and too formal, it is actually a very useful tool. These rules (everywhere a bit different but with a common ground) are a useful to get a similar trusted frame around the discussion and make it easier to focus on the content of the discussion

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Recording --- I would be very careful with recording. just asking the question, in some contexts, might indicate trust issues, and the counter-part might feel offended, or not as open as he/she could have been.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Implementation --- When signing an agreement with a government, one should also be aware of the internal process required by the government before the agreement can be implemented. Does it require the validation at ministerial level? presidential level? parliamentary level?

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Implementation of an agreement --- Regardless of who signs a document, when dealing with governement officials, one should be aware of the type of document that is negotiated and what will be the internal process for it to be implemented (should it be apporved at the ministry level? at preseident level? at parliament level? ...)

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Interpretation --- Thank you Sepideh for your question. I have never been an interpreter but I worked with interpreters. I think your point should be addressed to consecutive interpretation, and not simultaneous interpretation (during which it is almost impossible for the interpreter to match the emotions as well as the translation at the same time, due to the complexity of the task). In consecutive interpretation, it might be useful to carry some emotions, but I would be very careful with that, as emotions can be easily misinterpreted.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Language sensitivity --- Thank you Etienne for your comment, I think the language one chooses to express him/herself is key, as it conveys a message in itself. Language is a powerful political tool and strongly linked to identity. Interestingly, while English is often chosen as a "neutral" language in international affairs, it is rather a "globish" form of English that can be used, in which both partners feel confortable because it is not their mother tongue.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Interpreter --- So important Seyedeh, thank you for raising the issue. I remember one day, I was giving a conference in English in a GCC country, and my colleague who spoke arabic (I don't), told me at the end that I could have read the telephone directory instead, it would not have made any difference, as the interpreter was so incompetent !

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Supporting the Interpreter --- When working in contexts where the vocabulary has the power to make or break a dialogue, another helpful tool could be preparing a list of words and their acceptable translation so that the interpreter (when outsourced) is confident with the work and no issues arise from the translation.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Interpreting Meetings in the Capacity of HDiplomats --- I would like to share an experience and ask for fellow participants' experiences when interpreting meetings in the capacity of an HDiplomat. Using cinematic metaphors, I have learned over the years that acting as a voice actor gives the translation power and impact rather than being a subtitle and taking the emotions out of the translations. Any other best practices you would like to share?

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Assymetry of influence (ICRC in Ukraine) --- I agree with all the above and the innovative examples are great. But does the recent reputational issue with Ukraine and ICRC not point out to the fact that in the face of disinformation, institutional actors are practically powerless? We can mitigate once such disinfo is out on social media but the damage is done: some communities trust RCRCM less, volunteers have been threatened etc.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Media pressure on operations --- What do we think of media in the beginning of high profile operations? Very difficult to deal with multiple delegations and keeping the story right for e.g. in Ukraine, but also very important. And difficult to as well to shift the narrative from individual pathos stories (inevitable in first weeks) to more strategic ones (importance of giving cash and not dumping in kind) -but as mentionned bellow, longstanding media partnerships can help this.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

The right language? Franco-centrism --- What do we think of the sensitivities of languages and the prevalence of English and sometimes French in diplomatic circles?

I once had to give an intervention on behalf of the French ministry of foreign affairs. I was told there would be no translators so -contrary to MFA guidelines -prepared it in English; it turned out a translator was provided and the speech in English infuriated Francophone counterparts.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Agreed -preparedness = politness --- Agree with you Fritz -having some notes to show you have put thought, even if you are not going through them one by one, is key -it shows you are taking the meeting seriously.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

measurements --- Thank you Kylea for this comment. This leads to thinking of indicators and measurements of success and Media impact for humanitarian work.

Source author: Maria Said mariasaid@redcross.org.UK

Memories vs Recordings --- Fritz, I would say that while recording (with consent) may seem a more straightforward solution, you won't have the time to go through the recordings when something comes up. Personally, I prefer remembering the discussions and agreements, and the memories have come in handy all the time. Try linking up discussions to events of the meeting - it helps with remembering.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Protocol in negotiation - Online negotiations --- So many protocol details when setting negotiations meeting. Even seats and room layout. Just wondering how to keep protocol in mind when not meeting in person. What changes in an online meeting. Also, role of interpreters

Source author: Maria Said mariasaid@redcross.org.UK

Value of a Media Team --- In my experience, its imperative / crucial for an organization to have a solid comms / media officer or team to help train field staff in how to properly engage the media and / or engage the media on behalf of the organization.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Warrant of Precedence --- Every country has its own Warrant of Precedence where it is clearly mentioned who is after who for seating plan and every government/semi-government officials are aware of it. It is really awkward for host to have such experience with government officials.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Card with key points may help --- Instead bringing the entire report/speech to a podium a card with key points of speech may be helpful to the speaker to guide him to start each point in order. This can also be useful to quote to audience from a card.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Embarrassing but still it is a chance --- People exploit such opportunity in public/social gathering either in celebrating or mourning event for their propaganda or issue. It is a pathetic moment for the host but they hardly mind it since it is ultimately a social gathering where there is no hard and fast rules to follow. Short engagement and private/side talking (in lower voice) will not hurt anyone during non-formal session (after or before main event).

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Messaging Apps --- Eefje, messaging apps whilst they are very popular in The Bahamas, internet connections are very good, they are not a means to officially communicate with politicians or the government. WhatsApp and Signal may be used with close friends to check in with a politician or transfer a message and is very informal. Formal communications still remain written mainly and sometimes via telephone.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Sensationalization --- I don't think you can really control the sensationalizatoin of a topic by the media but as a HD, you can control the messaging by communicating clearly your message and the circumstances of the situation. Sticking to your message and not allowing the media to control the messaging. People will see through the media tactics and it will fizzle out in the short run.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Being Cautious about becoming too comfortable --- I believe when the ice breaks, we begin to walk on thin ice when one mis could cost the whole relationship. The method I use personally is to make sure that when the relationship becomes comfortable, it's mixed with informality to make sure that the easygoingness of the relationship has a node of the appropriateness of what the counterpart represents.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Key Messages --- In communicating the feedback on a HD situation, key messages should be developed in conjuction with trained communication personnel so that the message remains clear and the same no matter if the message was being delivered by different personnel. In a case of Hurricane Dorian and reaction to the media, key messages were developed so that whomever from the National Society was speaking to the media, the message remained the same.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Seating Arrangements in Meetings --- An important point also in every meeting is to take the host's lead in arranging the seating - in particular, meeting with Government officials. I have been in meetings where the start became an awkward scene when as guests, we tried to arrange the meeting order by telling the officials where to sit.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Voice --- Would you please explain how this is different from tone? It is not clear to me.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Disrespectful or Culturally Accepted? --- Thank you for sharing Emmanuel. I am honestly curious if this has always been a practice in South Soudan or is this a more resent phenomena? In the case of funerals, do the families of the deceased find this offensive?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

A Classic Technique --- Thank you for sharing Chloe! My mother told me that when she was in business school that they did exactly this. Nearly all of the students were shocked at how they acted during presentations and it was a great learning moment for improvement. I think I will start doing this while practicing future speeches.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Uptick --- Was this a big change to the number of hits the website usually had? Shouldn't we also differentiate between clickbait and meaningful and continued engagement with an HD cause/program/activity?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Not to be Construed --- Generally, I am in favour of maintaining relationships with different actors as long as it is not harmful for the HD and their organization and/or activities, but isn't it possible that this can be construed?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Word Choice --- I am a bit unsure of what is meant by "different markets" here. My understanding is that this means different sectors of the population when trying to garner support in our HD work. Is that correct?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Formality and Titles --- It's funny, I just made a comment about this on a colleague's HT entry. I do understand how the idea is to use the appropriate level of formality depending on the situation, but can shouldn't we also acknowledge that this formality may have developed out of colonialism and monarchies as well as other volatile dynasties that were suppressive and did not serve the populace? Perhaps we as HD and even diplomats can imagine a "new" way of "doing" diplomacy?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Addressing Titles --- I do understand how it has been historically important and still is important to generally address titles as a sign of respect. I do, however, sometimes wonder if this distracts from the fact that in cases where officials are elected, they have been chosen by their populations to serve the best interests of their populations and are actually "servants" to the people, not "gods". And that maybe these titles and protocols unnecessarily bolsters egos and distract from the real issues at hand?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Press Documents & Sensitive Topics --- In my experience having well-written, pre-approved press documents for high profile but sensitive programmes and projects has been crucial in engaging in HD / advocacy while protecting the reputation(s) of the organization, programme / project, partners / stakeholders / partners, etc. when engaging the media.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Non Verbal Statements --- I've seen this in donor meetings, when certain govt's have sent junior staff to a high level meeting as a message of anger or contempt to the other donor govt's present / participating, and while non-verbal, everyone get's the message.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Native languages --- Thanks Nathalie and Fritz. You're both right. I'd add that some languages, and perhaps English especially, have a lot of variations as between the way they have evolved in different settings. I used to make a point of getting to know the interpreters at conferences - long conferences especially - and get hints from them about what works and doesn't work for the interpreters. That taught me a good bit about how best to speak in understandable English to native speakers as well.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Contacts via WhatsApp --- Good point Eefje Appel! In Somalia, its the same. WhatsApp is widely used and the country has stable internet connection. Due to the privacy in these two applications compared to the telephone, people prefer to contact politicians via WhatsApp and Signal.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

groups on facebook --- There are also very active groups on facebook such as 50 shades of aid and humanitarian women's network

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

preparation exercise --- When taking part in a training on public speaking a few years ago, the trainer filmed each participant while he/she delivered a speech. This was a very interesting exercise as we all noticed some behaviours which we were not aware of. For instance, I was often looking up for no reason. Once aware of this tendency, I paid more attention to it to correct it.

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Title impacts negotiations --- In the Somalia context, officials expect you to respect their titles. Some of them may even become aggressive if you don't call them with their titles. As HDiplomats, we have to do our own research and now the positions of the dignitaries we are meeting with.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

WhatsApp --- In the Netherlands it is quite common to also communicate with politicians and civil servants through messaging apps WhatsApp and Signal. How is this for you in other working cultures, colleagues?

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Recording and testing --- Recording is indeed a good idea. A bit confronting at first, but important to improve. Our press officers also give the advice to always read your speaking points or also for example a press release out loud, to test whether the sentences are easy and come out smoothly.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Using Twitter --- This also relates to making clear agreements about using Twitter for example. We once hosted a meeting where one person tweeted a lot about the speech of the main speaker, who was not amused about this. He told us he would have said things differently if he had known it was tweeted. An important lesson for me.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Speaking from the heart --- The previous SG of the Netherlands Red Cross refused – despite advice of his advisors - to bring his papers with him during an important speech at the 150th anniversary of the NRC. It was broadcasted live on national television when he forget his text.. multiple times.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Effective Social media on HD group --- Humayun. We also need to strengthen acceptance of the individuals, be very careful about reputational damage should disagreement emerges between institution and its staff, volunteers and board members. Its happened to South Sudan Red Cross where some of the social media platforms were diverted by National Youth Chairperson to defame National Society as a whole.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Absolutely --- Our team was engaged in negotiations as journalists and this was a public event being recorded by several media outlets. In own briefings wie would announce that and ask if anyone objects to this. I agree that permission and awareness about the recording should be asserted!

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Effective Social Media Group on HD --- Creating effective Social Media Group can integrate volunteers and their ideas for a great cause /campaign. Sharing evidence (video, image, data) can make the group more useful for it's purpose (to create awareness or pressure on certain HD issue).

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Idea to employment --- Indeed it is an effective way to accumulate ideas from social media. In this way even potential employees/volunteers may be chosen for their organisations who afterwards can contribute substantially.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Online news website as diplomatic forum --- To avoid ban or threat from government, online news version may be used to create such diplomatic forum or page to attract huge audience where the relevant media will sensor content and face such allegations in future from authorities to protect Forum’s members or writers.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Awareness through blog posts --- Awareness can be made thru blog either by being part of others' blog or by starting own blog. For newbies It's better to start posting/commenting on reputed related bloggers wall to become familiar with blog circles or blog readers before start own blog.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Condensed or Summary --- Considering time constraints summary of a speech may be ideal to cover the fact (with reinforcement on main points). Details speech in hard copy may be kept for delivery after speech session.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

PwP : common mistakes --- Yes I've seen a lot of bad PwP presentations during which the audience is quickly losing interest. Most common mistakes : too much text for the audience to focus on what is said, very detailed or complex graphs or tables, the speaker using the PwP as speaker notes...

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Virtual protocol --- I'm also thinking of protocol in a virtual environment, on platforms like Zoom or Teams, which have been used increasingly lately. This has been challenging in some ways and has implied to define new rules/new behaviours (use of the camera, microphone, username...)

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Negative part of social media --- Access to social media is by choice, and not anyone is having accounts of all social media apps. That's means dissemination through social media is partially helpful. Simply Access to Internet in some context is challenging especially lay people who know nothing about it.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Recording --- Fritz Pinnow. It's also paramount to take permission when taking photos during meetings or any other public events. To avoid unnecessary questions this helps you to concentrate on what you suppose to do.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Assigning the proper person --- It is agreed if the right person is not assigned to sign the agreement, the other party may get offended. This can impede not only a signing but the actual implementation of the agreement. So again, one must know who the parties are in that should be involved in the negotiations and ensure that the right person is a part of the negotiations.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Irrelevant speech at right time --- You can achieve your objectives when you take the advantage of opportunity given to you. Politicians in South Sudan use fenural occasions, social gatherings, Churches and weddings to divert the attention of the audiences to achieve their personal/ political goals.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Consistently --- Use simple language, understand your audiences, don't give direct answers (Yes or No) to the questions asked, don't use acronyms.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

adapt to attention span --- Whilst working in the media/journalism sector I have observed that many NGO`s or large organizations write text which are too long and will not be read by the public. Sadly, the attention span as significantly reduced. The use of video material has become a good solution to explain complex issues but still keeping attention high.

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

interesting! --- As a Native speaker I can actually relate to the other side and tell you it is not that easy. What I sometimes do unintentionally is "mirroring". Some do it intentionally and some actively. Especially in language this allows smoother and better communication by gradually and gently adapting your use of language to the other person (group). However, this can also backfire! It can be perceived as a mockery of the other persons english skills.

It's a hard line to walk. That is why many stick with their native english.

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Threat of sensationalism --- With the emergence of young and new media outlets (mostly based on social media), sensationalism has become a tool to gain more attention. Especially regarding humanitarian work, this approach to media can be harmful for agreements or missions. How does one deal with this?

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Recording? --- During some discussions or meetings our team we have agreed to record (voice recording) most of them. Also during official public meetings I have asked some journalists (especially those recording for radio) to send me the file or have recorded it myself. (obviously not in closed door meetings)

This has allowed me to make a in-dept assessment on all aspects I consider important afterwards. Additionally it allows me to more actively engage in the meeting without being distracted by taking too many notes. What do you think?

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Podium & Papers --- Actually, I was once given the interesting advice: If you need to make a speech at a podium, take some papers with you. This shows that you came prepared and generates credibility. However, this can backfire if you are actually reading off these papers making them seem like the crutch you need to convey this speech. --> So free speaking is key to this. The person explaining this to me added that many politicians take empty white papers to the podium.

What do you think about that?

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Consequences of Evidence Base --- Advocacy can lead to the legal responsibility when it reaches the level of signing an agreement. Denmark Minister of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement in the presence of Head of State with the Government of Norway. Such that Norway citizens are given previlege to use Greenland for good number of years.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

How does title have impact in negotiation? --- Lack of recognizing the presence of some important dignitaries at meetings/ workshops or social gatherings limit the impact of negotiation. In future they may expel you, if you try to meet them on something else. In South Sudan it's paramount to start with greetings, mentioning titles of those involve, including their previous titles/ portfolios.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

humanitariandiplomacy --- on this note, i see only 17people following this hashtag on LinkedIN?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

poll --- in a context where it is possible a baseline poll and then a evaluation poll might be a way to do it.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Lack of Commitments --- Signing of the agreement depends on the important of the agreement itself and you can be embarrassed. In 2019, in Ethiopia. Government of South Sudan delegated Minister at the Office of the President, to sign an important agreement that requires Head of State . Finally, Minister was chased from conference hall.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

build alliance --- Picking ideas indeed but also connect to like minded peers or organisations and build alliances, co host events etc. Very useful for small and new organisations like my employer.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

LinkedIn --- i am surprised that LinkedIn is not in this list, is there a particular reason?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Sensitization to the issues --- These computer games really do cause you to think and make you more aware and sensitive to the issues. Some even could cause you to make decisions that you would not normally make based on the situation. They are a good idea to make people more aware of world wide issues that may not seem to affect them. Standing in someone else's shoes for a few minutes can make a difference.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

condensed, not rushed --- this is what most speakers fail to do, instead they speak super fast to keep to the time they are imparted....dropping every five sentences that they "have to be quick due to time constraint...." others on the other hand do not condense and drag on... until they are silenced and only have delivered 50% of their message....

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

non native --- as a non native english speaker, i am always amazed that native speakers at conferences attended by an international varied audience never slow down nor simplify their speech. Then the accents can be quite challenging too ;)

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Detremining the Strategy --- The strategy to use would depend on the situation that is to be resolved or improved. Some situations require a more private approach to get the benefit desired. Others require a more public approach to steer the conversation and through public opinions and raised concerns achived the desired result. So I would say that it depends on what is being negotiated.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Benefitof Private advocacy --- One of the benefit ofusing private advocacy is that it brings the negotiations to a personal level. You are in most instances facing each other across a table. Body language, unsaid words can be interpreted and can help you change or adjust a strategy in mid stream to get the objective which you are working towards.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Donor Directed funding --- Yes, I have many cases where donors would indicate what they wish for you to spend the money on and report periodically on the progress providing receipts evidencing where the money was spent. This is typical way that donors interact.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Win - Win --- Creating a win - win situation is an important way of thinking. Separate people from the problem and focus on interest. Brain strome win - win options

Source author: Maria Said mariasaid@redcross.org.UK

Length of missions --- I only partially agree here, I think there is also a good reason for the duration of the missions being 2-4 years depending on the contexts. On the one hand, it is a pity to change that often because of the memory that gets lost, on the other hand owrking as an expatriate staff is also a choice made in order to be able to take some distance from the issues at stake and the longer you stay the less you are able to take this useful distance.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Obstacle to implementation --- This is in my view one of the major obstacle in implementation. Our actions as HDiplomat are closely linked to politics and political leadership. A change in this perspective is part of our environment we have to deal with and anticipate, if at all possible. Depending on the sensitivity of the issue at stake and the political landscape in the country of the action, it is useful to entertain dialogue with all political parties, so that the humanitarian activities are not linked to a specific party program

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Repairing trust --- I agree that trust can be repaired, although this might be a difficult and lengthy process. A trust relationship might fluctuate, there might periods of times when mistrust could come up, this is also our work to recognize these fluctuations and address them before the relationship is damaged too deeply.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Building trust --- Building trust is a process, there is no magic recipe. It is made by repeatedly meeting with your partners over time, sharing information, and deliver what you agreed on. and maybe that is still not going to be enough.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

5 legged sheep! --- I love this - I understand this is the impossible being that we all want. Realism is key!

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Tendency to be overambitious --- I think we are often over ambitious in what we think can be implemented. And maybe more importantly under resource its monitoring to ensure people agreeing to various commitments are held ot account. Essential to set up a resourced monitoring structure to ensure accountability of people making agreements. I worked with a NGO Panos that supported meda coverage of implementtion of commitments made by governments in forum such as World Trade Foroum, Climate Change COPs and others. It's not the total solution but it helps to hold them to acount when they return through their domestic media.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Broken Trust --- I think trust takes time to build but can be broken easily. sometimes through misperceptions eg fellow colleagues sharing information in more public channels or adapting its presentation to lose the nuance and sensitiviity. Role of public communicaiton during trust building process is really sensitive.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Building Trust --- Taking time at the beginning and including some informal or social side to the process to begin. Many culture respect time to get to know each other. A dive into business fast can be counter-productive, though not everywhere. But worth building a personal relatoinship if possible. I loved the technical of Mo Mowlam, UK Government in North Ireland Good Friday negotations of removing her wig (she was being treated for cancer) - this showed both her own vulnerability and made hte meetings less "formal" somehow.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Commentaire --- L'application de ces 10 principes de l'Internet demeurent un réel défi pour notre monde. même des mouvements terroristes s'appuient sur l'Internet pour diffuser des messages mettant en danger la paix et sécurité des populations.

Il est temps que le système judiciaire, en tout cas pour ce qui des pays africains, travaille dans le sens d'assainir cet environnement.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Les dix droits et principes de l'Internet ne sont ni connus, ni appliqués dans la plupart des pays africains où l'internet est considéré comme la jungle, chacun faisant ce que bon lui semble.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Mon avis --- Hors ligne ou en ligne, l'Homme demeure l'Homme et garde sa nature humaine. Ainsi, de la même manière que ses droits sont garantis et protégés hors ligne, de la même manière ils doivent l'être en ligne. Ces droits ne sont pas liés à l'endroit où se trouverait l'Homme, mais ils sont liés à la nature humaine.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Les TIC n'ont pas seulement permis la connectivité de plusieurs régions du monde, elles ont également donné des béquilles à l'espionnage et au cyberattaque, qui de nos jours, ont pris diverses formes beaucoup plus complexes.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Peu importe le degré de développement des technologies, il est important que l'homme demeure au centre de tout. Les machines seront toujours utiles, mais certaines tâches devront être réservées à l'homme. Si dans certains domaines tels que celui de la santé une petite erreur du médecin durant une intervention chirurgicale peut couter la vie au patient, imaginons les dégâts que pourraient causer la machine lorsqu'un élément n'est pas bien fixé.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Il m'arrive de paniquer lorsque je ne retrouve pas mon téléphone. Cependant, la possibilité du stockage des données en ligne via par exemple mon compte Gmail a diminué ce degré de panique.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Staying Power --- Terez, thank you for brining up this point. Has this had lasting impact on disaster coordination processes?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Re-investment --- Etienne, would you please explain in more detail how those border areas have been invested in/what that looks like and means practically since COVID hit?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

helping Ukrainian refugees --- Yes, they do, in a big way (although this time the goverment also has much more opennes to help the humanitarian efforts than back in 2015). Migration Aid since then has grown into a well functioning organization and they have recently opened a brand new shelter house in Budapest for the Ukrainian refugees (3 weeks after the start of the war in Ukraine). I would gladly write a case study about their history and work.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Not Surprising --- Russia is known for being a propaganda machine. They have used and perfected their tactics over decades. How would you approach mitigating the damaged caused in this case?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Prioritising ánd positioning of HD --- Thank you Chris, this is a real issue indeed as our operation and advocacy seems to intertwine often. I agree that this is a matter of prioritising and also of positioning HD internally better. With the useful information of this course hopefully I can persuade them better and bring our departments more together :)

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Humanitarian across political spectrums --- Thank you for the responses. I thought it is a smart way of bringing together MPs from different political backgrounds on the importance of humanitarian issues. As they are sometimes (at least in the Netherlands) as framed as being more 'leftish', while this is obviously not the case.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Pressure works --- In my experience, use of contacts to pressure and push back works very well. We should use the interlocutors at our disposal to influence. Can anyone share an experience that worked well in this regards?

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

today's social media platforms --- Thanks Emmanuel Lessur for sharing this. These days people say whatever they want thorough their social media platforms but we have to be careful how to respond to any allegations through the social media because some messages really do not deserve to get attention and they may twist your respond and criticize you even more.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

New case study --- Thanks for this Adrienn. We are reviewing the course modules after the current course concludes and might come back to you for an expansion of this. Has Migration Aid played a role in handling people who have crossed the border as a consequence of the Ukraine crisis?

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Renegotiating procedures --- Thanks Adrienn. This is something which can be considered, especially as it shouldn't affect the basic thrust of the agreement.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Words to avoid --- Thanks Crys, Jaime and Eefjie. One of the never-ending struggles in my experience is trying to stop politicians and their tame media from describing asylum-seekers as "illegals". For obvious reasons, but the politics of the words is strong.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Prioritising in your own organisation --- That's a real issue, Eefjie. Our HD office in my time at IFRC held meetings with the operational offices from time to time so they could all see both what we could do and the range of issues on the table. This was aimed at prioritisation, and although the results were uneven the discussion was important. Some operational people understood easily why it was important, but some others were what we saw as being inattentive, too often.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Negotiation within the team --- Once again, Fanny, YES INDEED. Some of my most protracted negotiations were within our team, both on outcomes and procedure.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Faith-based organisations --- Thanks Etienne and Fanny. The broad rule of thumb we used in IFRC in my time was that we were unconcerned by a faith base for an NGO unless it used its place in an humanitarian situation for proselytising. We partnered with several in my own experience, including one run by the Orthodox Patriarch for Africa (based in Alexandria, Egypt) for HIV work in parts of Kenya where it had the best access to certain groups of vulnerable people. The Kenyan Red Cross was fully aware of the action.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Red Cross friends in Parliament --- This Australian Friends group has some institutional support from government departments - always the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Department, and line departments if that seems useful. Unfortunately it meets too infrequently to be very useful, but it can be swung into action on specific issues.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Red Cross/Crescent groups in parliaments --- Thanks Eefjie, and to refine JM's response there are several parliaments which have rules of procedure allowing for informal groups to be acknowledged by the parliament's officers and to get some support in terms of facilities and other support. In Australia's national parliament there is a "Friends of the Red Cross" group which meets irregularly and discusses various issues of RC concern including natural disasters and, sometimes, IHL.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

HD role in the organization --- I agree Seyedeh. I often also see that HDiplomats are only included in negotiations when they get stuck, instead of the beginning of the process. However, due to the work load it is of course not possible to be engaged in all projects that relate to advocacy or contact with important (governmental) donors. I know this is a broad question, but I sometimes struggle with how to prioritize and divide my time wisely in this. Some tips?

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Discourse matter indeed --- We also have recently created a 'terminology' list of words concerning migration - for example not using "waves" or "floods" in order to create an image of an enormous influx of migrants which could have a negative impact.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Red Cross MP Group? --- I believe I heard a while ago that there is also a special Red Cross group within the Swiss (?) Parliament consisting of MPs who meet every now and then to discuss humanitarian topics? Maybe one of the teachers knows more about this?

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Negotiation within the team --- Thank you very much Sepideh, I was not aware of this reality and I am very surprised! How do you analyse this attitude, where does it come from? I am wondering what can be done to improve the communication and raise awareness inside the team (as in many cases: négotiations are sometimes more difficult within your own organization than with the actual parties…)

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

I don’t think so --- I don’t think so, no. However, we can take over this example for the HD field too: if you send a new négociator every year that will face the other party that has been in the same position for 20 years (and has been dealing with 20 different negotiators) you are definitely not in a favourabke situation, even though you can claim that you organization is not focusing on characters but on values, we also saw how much trust-building and relations are important in négociation.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Representatives of all parties --- Thank you for your point, I think it is meant here that the différent parties to an agreement (as “abstract” entities) should be part of the implementation. It does not have to be necessary the exact same physical person.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

I agree --- The oral discourse should in my opinion be complemented by a written part, be it in négociation as such, or as part of an advocacy campaign - the written stays and gives weight to the discussion

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Faith-based --- I am wondering why we need to mention that it is a faith-based NGO, it is actually not necessary in this example. Is it a general rule that faith-based NGOs should always be labeled as such? I also don’t see how partnering with a faith-based NGO could be a problem, as long as the NGO in question follows the same principles and set of values

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Pre-cooked information --- It would be ideal if those we elect would be knowledgeable about IHL already, but unfortunately we cannot expect that level of knowledge from everybody, and everybody has its own domain of expertise. What this guidebook does very well, is that it gives parliamentarian quick facts, pre-cooked info, and the parliamentarian does not have to invest too much time and thinking into it. I think this is the secret recipe of any such advocacy action

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Case Study - From Facebook group to aid organization (Migration Aid, Hungary) --- Migration Aid was founded in June 2015 (became a registered organization only several months later), at the height of the European refugee crisis, by a handful of concerned citizens in Budapest that desired to help migrants arriving in Hungary - as the government at the time did not provided necessary help for them. The organization originated as a closed group on Facebook, which was utilized as a virtual planning board for orchestrating aid delivery, which included food and supplies distribution. The organization also consisted of various specialty groups with coordinators assigned to handle legal matters, storage, logistics and any other issues. Migration Aid set up centers in the railway stations of Budapest and the surrounding area and quickly grew to over 600 volunteers. The success of Migration Aid was demonstrated by the fact that the Hungarian Red Cross signed an agreement with them a few months into the existence of Migration Aid (in August 2015) about (among other topics) joint provision of healthcare services in the train stations and the so called "transit zones" where migrants who illegally crossed the borders were kept.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

2016 earthquake reconstruction (Ecuador) --- In Ecuador, the reconstruction is still far from being finished six years after the earthquake of 16 April 2016. A lot articles were published in the national newspapers, detailing how in Pedernales (epicenter of the earthquake) the proposed hospital is still nowhere because of corruption (then President Rafael Correa promised that it would be ready in a year). Two previous contracts failed due to corruption, which even led to the arrest of a local assembly member, who is in prison in Quito. Residents of Pedernales are getting their medical care still in tents.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

Faith based org with a secular mandate? --- I understand the reservations around this, but I believe the Secours Catholique is part of those interesting FB organisations that have a 'religious' history and even approach, but that are also deeply attached to principled assistance, for e.g. Christian Aid or Caritas (the extent to which this is associated to left wing leanings of the religion is interesting)

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

renegotiation? --- In these cases renegotiating the implementation procedures of the agreement isn't a possibility? The neccesary level of commitment could be secured this way.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

How to manage the opening/closing of countries? --- Similarly after the military coup, and on top of Covid, several aid agencies saw their presence immensely reduced. What's interesting is that the previous cross border aid mechanisms which had been under-invested during the period of oppenness have now been re-invested, but that is taking a long time to reactivate.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Asymmetric ownership (localisation) --- Establishing this ownership is indeed essential, however it does not always happen symmetrically especially when local partners are involved. Especially when they have less dedicated resources.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Collateral Damage / Risks --- It would be really interesting to see how these NGOs weighed and mitigated the risks to themeselves and other NGOs not part of the campaign, their staff, and to their programming and access to certain areas of country, but delving into such sensitive topics locally.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Ripple Effects --- It's great to see the ripple effect this campaign had (either intended and unintended) and a good reminder of how such actions can have a positive ripple effect (if done properly / safely).

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Semantics --- Fully agree - we started a project in juvenile detention centres in Syria in coordination with relevant gov't stakeholders, ICRC, and UNHCR, and it was amazing understanding the power of terminology and semantics in negotiations for approvals

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com