Relief News Updates
ReliefWeb - Training Opportunities
ReliefWeb - Training Opportunities
IPT Specialization Course on Environmental Peacebuilding
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:30:14 +0000
Climate change and environmental degradation affect human security in diverse and intersecting ways and can amplify existing conflicts and humanitarian crises. Forced migration, internal displacement, and loss of livelihoods and infrastructure caused by extreme weather events such as floods and droughts as well as competition over natural resources can contribute to political and social instability, increase pre-existing inequalities, and challenge communities’ resilience and peaceful co-existence. At the same time, cooperation on the shared threat of climate change and environmental degradation as well as natural resource management can offer entry points for collective and inclusive peacebuilding initiatives. Environmental peacebuilding recognizes that cooperation on environmental and climate issues can play an important role in preventing and dealing with conflicts.
Learning Objectives:
The IPT Specialization Course on Environmental Peacebuilding offers a comprehensive training on the environment, climate, peace, and security nexus. Throughout the course, participants will engage in interactive discussions, group work, and exercises to learn how to apply an environment and climate lens to different aspects of peacebuilding work. Among others, participants will:
- Get familiar with the concept of environmental peacebuilding.
- Explore the complex interlinkages between the environment, climate, peace, and security.
- Understand how environmental degradation and climate change can act as risk multiplier and driver of conflict.
- Learn how to identify environment and climate related entry points for peacebuilding.
- Learn about existing policy, legal, and human rights frameworks related to environmental peacebuilding.
- Understand the role of different actors, including peacekeeping, peacebuilding, development and humanitarian actors in environmental peacebuilding and the need for integrated multi-stakeholder approaches.
- Gain awareness on environmental do-no-harm approaches, including one’s own conduct and environmental footprint.
- Develop skills on how to apply a climate and environmental lens to conflict analysis and peacebuilding interventions.
Course language: English
Course costs: 2,200 € (covering full-board accommodation)
Target group:
- Professionals working with multilateral organizations, I/NGOs, civil society, local grassroot organizations, academia, or government institutions.
- Peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian and development practitioners, who want to reflect and expand their knowledge and skills in an international and interdisciplinary group-setting.
- People who serve as multipliers in their countries and communities and can pass on the knowledge and skills acquired in the course.
Requirements:
- A good command of English is a prerequisite for attending the course. Prior knowledge and skills in the practical and/or academic field of peacebuilding are strongly encouraged.
How to register
26th Sanremo Summer School
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:28:48 +0000
Overall objectives
This two-week course presents the key aspects of the Law of Armed Conflict, International Human Rights Law, Refugee and Migration Law, related fields and topical issues.
This course will allow participants to:
- Improve their knowledge of International Law and apply principles and rules of International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Refugee and Migration Law;
- Share differing national and cultural experiences and approaches, fostering a better understanding of and innovative solutions to multi-national challenges;
- Develop wide-ranging analytical skills applicable to real-life operational settings;
- Receive an official certificate from a unique center of excellence recognized all over the world, active since 1970 in humanitarian training and diplomacy.
Target audience
The course is addressed to a broad range of participants, including civilian and military legal advisors, officers, UN professionals, staff from international governmental and non-governmental organisations, academics, researchers, and other humanitarian practitioners operating in crisis scenarios. Unlike other specialised IIHL activities, the Sanremo Summer School is specifically structured as a multidisciplinary training program. Its design aims to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to highlight legal challenges arising from their varied perspectives, viewpoints, and experiences.
Methodology
Within the course, practitioners, academics and experts in the above-mentioned fields will work together with participants to foster a deep understanding and proper implementation of International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Refugee and Migration Law, and many other related international rules governing today’s armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. The Course strikes a balance between theory and practice and is delivered through a participatory and creative teaching methodology, aimed at facilitating the learning process and implementing the knowledge gained throughout the training. Sessions include lectures, presentations, case studies, group work, and other activities, responding to various learning styles of a diverse audience.
How to registerIn order to register, follow the URL to the course page and fill and the Registration Form. After confirmation of acceptance, pay the fee.
Queries on the course registration and administrative questions should be directed to eleonora.tranquillo@iihl.org
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:26:14 +0000
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) is crucial for individuals deployed in risk-associated, precarious or volatile environments. Therefore, it is essential to invest in specific training focused on awareness of security risks and the challenges of the specific environments to reduce the risks of loss of lives and injuries.
HEAT aims to improve participants’ comprehension of the challenging field requirements while working individually or as a team member within the context of an international organisation or institution.
The BLUESPEAR HEAT programme will equip individuals operating in risk theatres with essential tools on how to manage and reduce the risks, which in some cases may be lifesaving. Our HEAT programme is developed in line with the EU ENTRI guidelines in order to deliver a high standard training.
OUR HEAT EXPERTS
The BLUESPEAR instructor pool is composed solely of highly skilled instructors with extensive experience in hostile and complex environments and include professionals within the NGO world, certified medics, as well as journalists and security experts. This unique combination of expertise ensures that our training programmes are covered from different professional perspectives.
METHODOLOGY
The BLUESPEAR HEAT programme will be delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, including presentations, group discussions and live scenario's.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The BLUESPEAR Hostile Environment Awareness course (HEAT) is a tailor made advanced security awareness programme designed to prepare personnel of international institutions and (I)NGOs, aid and humanitarian workers, contractors, journalists, investigators of international tribunals and individuals (business travellers) to operate and travel in challenging, complex and high risk theatres. The training will provide the participants a different set of skills and invaluable knowledge to deal with various complex situations in hostile regions.
BLUESPEAR HEAT OBJECTIVES
- Participants will acquire a better understanding of the various risks and dangerous situations in their area of deployment.
- Participants will gain more confidence in managing stressful situations and conflicts.
- Participants will be able to improve their ability to plan their (humanitarian) operations effectively.
- Participants will prepare to travel and operate safely in dangerous environments.
- Participants will increase their competency to analyze and mitigate risks and threats.
- Participants will develop new practical skills and capabilities indispensable in hostile regions.
OUR HEAT MODULES
The BLUESPEAR HEAT course is comprised of 5 Modules covering a wide range of topics necessary to prepare professionals working in challenging environments to the best extent:
- MODULE 1: DEPLOYMENT TO HOSTILE REGIONS
- MODULE 2: MEDICAL TRAINING
- MODULE 3: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (Scenarios)
- MODULE 4: OPERATIONAL READINESS
- MODULE 5: FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE
GOOD TO KNOW
- No 9 to 5 HEAT • No comfort zone • No luxury accommodation
- Local transportation and procedure will be communicated after registration
- Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner is a group effort
- Teamwork and collaboration are at the core
- Bring along your sleeping bag • head lamp • towels and toiletries • sportswear • sufficient reserve clothing
- Your helmet and flack jacket if any and good spirit and motivation
How to register
Interested professionals can apply for our HEAT programme by completing our registration form available on https://www.bluespear.eu/
Once we receive a completed registration form, our training team will get in contact to finalize the enrollment procedure.
For additional information candidates can also send directly an email to:
info@bluespear.eu
2nd Online Course on Cultural Property Protection in the event of Armed Conflict
Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:54:41 +0000
Cultural heritage, encompassing historical monuments, works of art, archaeological sites, and many other buildings and objects of cultural value, forms a vital part of the collective memory, identity, and values of communities.
In the event of armed conflict, this heritage faces significant risks, not only from incidental harm such as collateral damage or looting but also from deliberate attacks aimed at erasing a population’s connection to its history. As a result, over recent decades, culture has increasingly become a frontline casualty of war, with its damage and destruction exploited by belligerents to incite violence, hatred, and vengeance. Such acts undermine social cohesion, destabilise communities, and exacerbate conflicts, making the path to sustainable peace even more challenging.
Recognising the universal importance of cultural heritage for fostering peace, international law has evolved to protect it during armed conflict. This legal framework is reinforced by best practices from military and civilian actors, who must integrate heritage preservation into broader strategies for peace and security. By adapting tools, behaviors, and developing skills to safeguard cultural property, military forces, civilian personnel, and other stakeholders contribute to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to the conduct of hostilities, conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery, besides preserving invaluable testimonies of a specific community and humanity at large
Overall objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide participants with the legal knowledge and key analytical tools necessary to comply with and apply the existing international rules governing cultural property and heritage protection in armed conflict. The course also aims at promoting the use of the UNESCO Manual on the Protection of Cultural Property as a reference manual for military, civilian and humanitarian practitioners deployed in the field.
This course aims to:
- Enhance awareness of the importance of cultural property protection for humanitarian practitioners and military personnel;
- Strengthen knowledge of legal frameworks governing cultural property protection, including International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and International Criminal Law, along with their associated safeguarding duties;
- Improve understanding of military responsibility and accountability for violations of international law concerning cultural property protection;
- Address operational challenges in cultural property protection—such as marking, targeting, trafficking, looting, and the emergence of new actors —and explore the latest developments and technologies to overcome these issues;
- Promote the benefits of civil-military networks in achieving the shared goal of cultural property protection;
- Highlight the connection between cultural property protection and peace processes, including the role of restitution in reconciliation and transitional justice;
- Encourage collaboration and the exchange of experiences among professionals across various institutional levels, sectors (public, private, national, and international), and countries.
Methodology
The programme will integrate both live and self-paced training sessions.Attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the subject through self-paced sub-curricula and live interactions with the high-level teaching staff, accurately selected by the organisers. The delivery of assignments will be required to successfully complete the course (see the concept note of the course for more detailed information).
Exercises and case studies will be mainly focused on the real-life application of the international legal standards illustrated by the facilitators, also offering an opportunity to study the best practices implemented on the ground by the most relevant international organisations, NGOs and other actors.
Target Audience
The course is addressed to a broad range of participants, including civilian and military legal advisors, officers, UN professionals, staff from international governmental and non-governmental organisations, academics, researchers, and other humanitarian practitioners operating in crisis scenarios.
How to registerIn order to register, follow the URL to the course page and fill the registration form. After confirmation of acceptance, pay the fee.
Queries on the course registration and administrative questions should be directed to eleonora.tranquillo@iihl.org.
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)
Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:30:25 +0000
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) is crucial for individuals deployed in risk-associated, precarious or volatile environments. Therefore, it is essential to invest in specific training focused on awareness of security risks and the challenges of the specific environments to reduce the risks of loss of lives and injuries.
HEAT aims to improve participants’ comprehension of the challenging field requirements while working individually or as a team member within the context of an international organisation or institution.
The BLUESPEAR HEAT programme will equip individuals operating in risk theatres with essential tools on how to manage and reduce the risks, which in some cases may be lifesaving. Our HEAT programme is developed in line with the EU ENTRI guidelines in order to deliver a high standard training.
OUR HEAT EXPERTS
The BLUESPEAR instructor pool is composed solely of highly skilled instructors with extensive experience in hostile and complex environments and include professionals within the NGO world, certified medics, as well as journalists and security experts. This unique combination of expertise ensures that our training programmes are covered from different professional perspectives.
METHODOLOGY
The BLUESPEAR HEAT programme will be delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, including presentations, group discussions and live scenario's.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The BLUESPEAR Hostile Environment Awareness course (HEAT) is a tailor made advanced security awareness programme designed to prepare personnel of international institutions and (I)NGOs, aid and humanitarian workers, contractors, journalists, investigators of international tribunals and individuals (business travellers) to operate and travel in challenging, complex and high risk theatres. The training will provide the participants a different set of skills and invaluable knowledge to deal with various complex situations in hostile regions.
BLUESPEAR HEAT OBJECTIVES
- Participants will acquire a better understanding of the various risks and dangerous situations in their area of deployment.
- Participants will gain more confidence in managing stressful situations and conflicts.
- Participants will be able to improve their ability to plan their (humanitarian) operations effectively.
- Participants will prepare to travel and operate safely in dangerous environments.
- Participants will increase their competency to analyze and mitigate risks and threats.
- Participants will develop new practical skills and capabilities indispensable in hostile regions.
OUR HEAT MODULES
The BLUESPEAR HEAT course is comprised of 5 Modules covering a wide range of topics necessary to prepare professionals working in challenging environments to the best extent:
- MODULE 1: DEPLOYMENT TO HOSTILE REGIONS
- MODULE 2: MEDICAL TRAINING
- MODULE 3: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (Scenarios)
- MODULE 4: OPERATIONAL READINESS
- MODULE 5: FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE
GOOD TO KNOW
- No 9 to 5 HEAT • No comfort zone • No luxury accommodation
- Local transportation and procedure will be communicated after registration
- Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner is a group effort
- Teamwork and collaboration are at the core
- Bring along your sleeping bag • head lamp • towels and toiletries • sportswear • sufficient reserve clothing
- Your helmet and flack jacket if any and good spirit and motivation
How to register
Interested professionals can apply for our HEAT programme by completing our registration form available on https://www.bluespear.eu/
Once we receive a completed registration form, our training team will get in contact to finalize the enrollment procedure.
For additional information candidates can also send directly an email to:
info@bluespear.eu
Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:39:15 +0000
The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy (online), offered by UPEACE in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is an interdisciplinary and holistic programme that will broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy, and equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise.
Offered in an Online Format, students in this programme will analyze the different dimensions of development, including environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions, as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century.
Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad, with prospective employers including governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
How to register
Access: https://upeace.org/admission-form/
Recommendations Before Filling Out Your Admissions Form
- Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with the full master’s and prospect information to ensure you select the best program for your needs.
- Gather Required Documents: Check the list of application-required documents and save them in an accessible location. Use PDF format for documents and JPG for images/photos.
- Complete Required Fields: Fill in all necessary fields and double-check the accuracy of your information before advancing to the next section.
- Read the Privacy Policy: Review our Privacy Policy and confirm your agreement by checking the box before submitting your application.
Master of Arts in Gender and Development
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:36:33 +0000
The Master of Arts in Gender and Development offered by UPEACE, jointly with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), aims to equip students with critical knowledge about gender studies in its intersections with development studies. Gain the skills to advance gender equality with this graduate programme focused on the crucial role of women in diplomacy and development.
Offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format, this programme will allow students to develop the skills required for a successful international career in a variety of fields – diplomacy, development, politics, social work, human resources, human rights, teaching, research, policy institutes/think tanks, and others.
Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, International and regional organizations, think tanks, academia, human rights organizations, and civil society.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
How to register
Access: https://upeace.org/admission-form/
Recommendations Before Filling Out Your Admissions Form
- Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with the full master’s and prospect information to ensure you select the best program for your needs.
- Gather Required Documents: Check the list of application-required documents and save them in an accessible location. Use PDF format for documents and JPG for images/photos.
- Complete Required Fields: Fill in all necessary fields and double-check the accuracy of your information before advancing to the next section.
- Read the Privacy Policy: Review our Privacy Policy and confirm your agreement by checking the box before submitting your application.
Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:29:54 +0000
The Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy (hybrid and online formats) is a graduate programme permitting students to specialize in the interface between international law and diplomacy. It will not only broaden students’ knowledge in the field of international law and its various foundational dimensions but will also equip them with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of diplomacy and related international careers.
During this programme – offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format – students in this programme will analyze the different dimensions of development, including environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions, as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century. These include dispute settlement and conflict resolution.
In addition, students will attend skills development and coaching sessions designed to support their professional careers and employability.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
How to register
Access: https://upeace.org/admission-form/
Recommendations Before Filling Out Your Admissions Form
- Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with the full master’s and prospect information to ensure you select the best program for your needs.
- Gather Required Documents: Check the list of application-required documents and save them in an accessible location. Use PDF format for documents and JPG for images/photos.
- Complete Required Fields: Fill in all necessary fields and double-check the accuracy of your information before advancing to the next section.
- Read the Privacy Policy: Review our Privacy Policy and confirm your agreement by checking the box before submitting your application.
Master of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:24:25 +0000
The Master of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes (onsite, hybrid, and online formats) is a graduate programme that offers students an understanding of the role that international law and institutions play in the settlement of international and transnational disputes. This specialization examines the role of national and international courts and tribunals in contributing to the settlement of disputes.
As international and transnational adjudication has acquired a more prominent role in international relations, it is essential to understand how these global and regional courts are responding to the challenges of the early 21st century.
Students will examine the role of international law in the settlement of disputes in a wide array of fields such as human rights, armed conflicts, territorial and maritime border issues, environment and climate change, multilateral trade, and investments, amongst others. Students will learn the traditional legal processes employed in international and transnational adjudication, as well as alternative forms of dispute settlement prevalent in international law.
In addition, students will attend skills-development sessions and coaching sessions designed to support their professional careers and employability.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
This programme is offered in an Onsite Format (face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format (within the UPEACE Virtual Learning Environment).
How to register
Access: https://upeace.org/admission-form/
Recommendations Before Filling Out Your Admissions Form
- Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with the full master’s and prospect information to ensure you select the best program for your needs.
- Gather Required Documents: Check the list of application-required documents and save them in an accessible location. Use PDF format for documents and JPG for images/photos.
- Complete Required Fields: Fill in all necessary fields and double-check the accuracy of your information before advancing to the next section.
- Read the Privacy Policy: Review our Privacy Policy and confirm your agreement by checking the box before submitting your application.
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:42:26 +0000
Humanitarian workers and professionals are increasingly exposed to challenging, insecure, remote or hostile environments due to lawlessness, political instability and armed conflict. It is essential they are adequately prepared for any dangers they may encounter.
RedR Australia's internationally recognised Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) prepares individuals to work in crisis zones or a range of hostile situations. This rigorous four-day residential classroom and simulation training will enhance your knowledge of personal security so you are prepared to face difficult security situations.
The training course integrates Tactical and Trauma Emergency Casualty Care giving you the skills and knowledge to operate in hostile environments around the world.
Trainers deliver a combination of theory and practical based emergency medical training, teaching you the skills to manage ballistic, penetrating and blast trauma. TECC skills learnt on the training course include commercial and improvised tourniquets and hemorrhage control, airway management of an unconscious casualty and an array of improvised techniques teaching students how to save and preserve life with limited resources.
Who is this course for?
The Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course is designed for people from all professional backgrounds and disciplines and is a prerequisite for joining RedR Australia's humanitarian roster.
This course is targeted at individuals and aid agency staff wanting to learn more about personal safety and security issues and the steps they need to take to remain safe or survive in a hostile or insecure situation or environment.
The course is delivered in English and you need to have a reasonable proficiency of the English language.
How to registerRegister here: https://events.humanitix.com/hostile-environment-awareness-training-heat-a...
Find out if this course is right for you. Contact our training team for more information - training@redr.org.au
Strategic Foresight Workshop for Social Justice Leaders
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:31:38 +0000
Foresight is now one of the most important leadership skills of the 21st century. But social justice leaders at the forefront of change need to be better equipped to face the challenges of this vulnerable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world to steer their organizations and programs into the future.
This workshop will open your eyes to the importance of futures thinking and strategic foresight to support better creativity, visioning, decision-making, and strategizing. In a workshop setting, you will learn some of the most important tools to start applying strategic foresight practically to your work through the lens of the Justice Based Approach.
We will hear from some of the foremost futurists in the world and build lasting connections with a global cohort of humanitarians, development workers, and social and environmental justice leaders. It will shift your mindset from reactive to innovative action, from linear to multi-potential outcomes, from conventional to emergent thinking, and from present-focused to a truly intergenerational take on justice.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Course length: 3 weeks
- Total Time Commitment: 23 hours
- Orientation.
- Live session: 2 hours, for orientation
- Weeks 1 - 3.
- Live sessions: 6 hours per week, every Tuesday and Thursday for 3 hours each
- Self-guided: up to 1 hour per week
- Optional sessions: 1 hour per week for reflection and Q&A, every Friday
- Orientation.
- Price: $495 USD per person
- Groups of 5+: $445 USD per person
- Language: English
- Delivery methods: Live participatory online sessions | Interactive learning tools | Lifetime access to resource bank | Small team discussions | Online forum | 1-2-1 with facilitators | Self-paced learning and reflection
- Next course dates: 30 January - 19 February 2026
- 2026 Brochure: Available here!
_______________
THE WORKSHOP
This workshop promises to be an engaging, immersive, and insightful experience combining interactive sessions, case studies, and group exercises using six of the most important foresight tools, with inspiration and framing taken from the Justice Based Approach. We will critically explore many assumptions and deepen capacity in the following areas:
- All five pillars of the Justice Based Approach
- Futures thinking and strategic foresight theory and concepts
- Foresight versus forecasting
- Participatory foresight methodologies and practical tools
- Drivers of change and multiple scenarios
- Preferred futures and personal visions
- Organizational culture of foresight
- Foresight-inspired programme design and advocacy
- Ethics and accountability
- Participatory approaches and decision-making
- Strategic and personal leadership… and more!
The workshop will challenge your assumptions, question your views of the future, and give you the tools to craft better visions. It will transform the way you work in social development and provide inspiring insights as we apply strategic foresight to the Justice Based Approach.
_______________
THE APPROACH
Our style of online delivery creates genuine human connection in a mixture of large and small group settings and facilitates deeply reflective and thoughtful discussions. Each session includes interactive lessons from the lead trainers, an inspiring guest speaker, practice using one of the key foresight tools, and helpful debriefing discussions.
The workshop uses mixed methodologies, including participatory live sessions, interactive online tools, reflection, movement, games, small group discussions, an online forum, and self-led learning and reflection. During the workshop, participants can also meet one-to-one with the lead trainers, and we send short, inspiring emails twice a week with additional resources based on each session for those that want more!
This workshop is designed and facilitated by United Edge Foresight and Engagement Director Shiela R Castillo. Shiela has more than two decades of experience in social development and foresight. She is one of the co-founders of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) and a member of the TFSX Global Foresight Advisory Council. She is also member of the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). She was a Futures Learning Advisor of the Center for Engaged Foresight where she conducted futures workshops in the Philippines, Cambodia, and the US (online). She has spoken in a number of foresight conferences and is passionate about the futures of justice.
Daniel Bevan, co-founder of United Edge, and one of the original architects of the Justice Based Approach will be facilitating the workshop. Through the unique lens of the Justice Based Approach, he has specialized in participatory approaches, client-led programming, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation and has worked with partners as varied as governments, child and youth groups, the UN, academic institutions, activists, INGOs and affected communities. Before United Edge, he worked for many years in child and youth rights, education and child protection, and now focuses his energy on innovative approaches to systemic change and decolonizing aid. Find out more about our facilitators here.
Our facilitators are joined by a global group of Discussion Leaders who are accomplished in various aspects of social development and trained to facilitate foresight-related conversations. They support small groups during the course to explore the themes in more depth during break-out discussions. Additionally, the workshop will also feature four world-renowned foresight experts as guest speakers to inform and inspire participants in the sessions. Previous speakers include Sohail Inayatullah, Katindi Sivi, Mariana Merelo Lobo, Ben Holt, and Eilidh Kennedy.
We offer optional tailored mentoring programmes to provide personalized support after the workshop to put your learning into practice. For our participants, this is 20-33% off our regular mentoring rates! You can add this to your booking by contacting us.
_______________
THE PARTICIPANTS
We know that emerging leaders have many competing priorities and want maximum value for minimum effort, so that your teams and organizations can become more strategically effective. This course has been developed for all staff, volunteers and trustees, particularly if you:
- Work in a role where you can lead change in your project or organization
- Hold a position that can influence your project’s or organization’s approaches and strategies
- Help to build the capacity of staff or train partners
- Design projects or work in planning and program development
- Work in policy and advocacy
- Manage a team of staff or volunteers or liaise with external partners and communities
- Serve on a Senior Leadership Team or on a Board of Trustees
- Contribute to your organization’s strategy development, including staff in human resources, fundraising, finance, communications and logistics teams
- Work in a donor or partner-focused agency that is looking for innovative ways to support civil society organizations
- Work in any private business or public sector organization and ethically want to achieve more
- Are self-employed and want to gain skills that can support any endeavor
One of the highlights of this workshop is the opportunity to connect with and learn from people from across the world. Our last round of courses had participants from over 70 countries!
The workshop is relevant to a wide range of sectors and organizations, including humanitarian and development agencies, charities, public sector agencies, UN agencies, community groups, unions, coops, ethical businesses, CSR departments, activists, and local partners. Although the workshop will be framed around social and environmental justice issues, it is open to anyone interested in learning more about strategic foresight and futures thinking.
We're excited to be bringing together a team of facilitators from around the world to co-deliver the workshop. You will be learning from, and connecting with, experts in their field from a diverse range of social development contexts.
_______________
ACCESS & INCLUSION
We take great care to create a safe and welcoming space for all of our course participants. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that anyone with an additional need is able to participate. If you have any additional needs or access requirements please let us know on your booking form.
How to register
Register here as soon as possible to secure your place before it fills up: https://united-edge.typeform.com/foresight
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to get in touch or email info@unitededge.net
General Management 3. Leadership Week (4 days)
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:29:44 +0000
GM.3.1. Day 1-2: Empowered Leadership: Strategy in Action
HDFF’s Strategic Leadership Training is an essential training for 21st-century leaders of the general public, corporate personnel, government, and UN organizations. It addresses the topics of global leadership, performance management, strategic planning, risk management in project contexts, motivation, delegation and empowerment, conflict prevention and resolution, and communication; all subjects needed by every leader of a team, department, or organization. The training is conducted by internationally experienced and culturally sensitive facilitators in an utmost participatory way.
Objectives:
– To improve participants’ understanding of global leadership requirements related to strategy, human resources, financial resources, and good governance.
– To increase understanding of risk management approaches and related modern leadership skills.
GM.3.2. Day 2-3: Anti-Corruption in Practice
Many organizations face struggles while implementing projects, having to navigate possible corruption traps inside the organization and anti-corruption policies.
Situations related to corruption evolve, and it is sometimes unclear whether it can be considered corruption or “cultural habits”. Using role play and interactive training settings, HDFF designed a course for laymen to better understand organizational requirements and increase individual awareness of corruption-related issues. This two-day workshop-style training seeks to build key capacities in anti-corruption legal requirements while working with donors/ investors, as well as basic ideas for related organizational policies.
Objectives:
– Core legal framework knowledge (e.g., US FCPA, UK Bribery Act).
– To provide knowledge on standard practices against corruption.
– Organizational policies against corruption.
– Intercultural aspects.
How to register
For registration, please email to trainingco@hdff.org
General Management 2.2: Manage Money in Difficult Times: Financial Management for Non-Finance Staff
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:27:22 +0000
This course is a must for project team members to improve cooperation with the financial staff during planning, implementing, and monitoring a project. This HDFF-designed course consists of discussions and learning activities on financial topics for general business and non-profit organizations. The modules cope with concrete financial management tools, financial statement analytics techniques, discussions about accounting principles and recording, auditing financial statements, and the main budgeting principles. Please note that these topics can change depending on the participant’s requirements.
Objectives:
– Participants can record account transactions generally used by nonprofit organizations (including closing accounts).
– Participants can prepare financial statements as non-financial staff (balance sheet and income statement).
How to register
For registration, please email trainingco@hdff.org
HEAT Skills 4. Travel with Confidence: Safety and Security Essentials- Masterclass (2 days)
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:25:14 +0000
The two-day HDFF-designed HEAT Travel with Confidence Masterclass aims to enable business and short-mission travelers to capitals and low-risk environments to increase their security awareness and improve their security behavior. The participants will also learn how to cope with hotel security-related matters. They will also be taught the basics of defensive driving, the effects of weapons, and active shooter behavior, which will enhance participants’ mitigation skills.
Objectives:
- To increase the security awareness of traveling personnel while on the move and in hotels.
- To increase the consciousness related to defensive driving.
- To understand how to react in active shooter situations.
- To refresh First Aid skills
How to register
For registration, please email to trainingco@hdff.org
HEAT Skills 2. Psychosocial Week
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:23:32 +0000
HDFF is expanding its successful 2-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training into a comprehensive 4-day Psychosocial Support Week designed to strengthen emotional resilience and mental well-being for humanitarian staff and professionals working in high-stress environments. Building on the practical skills taught in the original PFA course, this enhanced program now includes two in-depth masterclasses that can also be taken separately.
The training focuses on developing key psychosocial capacities, including:
- Delivering Psychological First Aid in crises.
- Recognizing and managing stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
- Strengthening emotional regulation through mindfulness and cognitive techniques.
- Building long-term psychosocial resilience and adaptability.
- Fostering compassion, satisfaction, and sustaining motivation.
- Enhancing team-based support and communication.
- Creating sustainable wellness and self-care plans for daily and field operations.
DAY 1: HANDLING STRESS LIKE A PRO
This masterclass supports humanitarian professionals in managing stress, preventing burnout, and strengthening long-term emotional resilience. Participants learn to recognize the stress cycle, apply grounding and cognitive coping techniques, reinforce positive thinking and healthy boundaries, and develop a personalized Stress Pro Action Plan.
DAY 2: MINDSET AND MISSION- BUILDING MENTAL STRENGTH IN HIGH-STRESS ENVIRONMENTS
This masterclass provides a comprehensive approach to emotional wellness, helping participants maintain motivation, balance, and focus in high-stress environments. It introduces the four core pillars of wellness, builds skills in emotional regulation and self-compassion, strengthens team connection and mutual support, and guides participants in creating a Sustained Action Rhythm plan to integrate wellness habits into daily routines.
DAY 3: PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA) TRAINING
This intensive course trains first responders and frontline staff to provide immediate psychological support during crises. Through interactive sessions and realistic role-plays, participants learn the core principles of Psychological First Aid, effective communication techniques, and essential stress-management tools—guided by experienced, culturally sensitive facilitators. The training builds a solid understanding of PFA and strengthens participants’ confidence in supporting individuals under stress.
How to registerFor registration, please email to trainingco@hdff.org
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)- "Red Deployment"
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:21:44 +0000
HDFF’s Flagship “Hostile Environment Awareness Training HEAT(Advanced)” is an advanced
scenario based field safety training built to address the needs of implementing personnel
from (I)NGOs, media, governmental and UN agencies, international civilians, and
corporations. It is intended for individuals working, based, or traveling in high-risk “Red
Countries,” or high-risk areas within medium-risk countries (as classified by insurance and
foreign service advisories).
This HEAT training aims to improve participants’ security awareness and handling of
potentially dangerous situations in hostile environments while following relevant and
appropriate international regulations. Since this is a core responsibility for employers, this
training will also help enhance the organization’s "Duty of Care" profile. The HEAT
(Advanced) training is an engaging, scenario-based training that includes three days focused
on immersive, field-based scenario exercises. To complement the basic security knowledge,
a brief “Pre-HEAT online” module is offered before the practical topics. The training will be
led by experienced and culturally sensitive trainers, ensuring the safety of all participants.
Objectives:
- To increase the understanding of proactive security and basic field measures taken
before, during, and after a field mission in hostile environments. - To enhance the resilience of personnel in hazardous environments by knowing how to
manage dangerous situations and related stress, e.g. checkpoint behavior,
ambush/active shooter, hostile crowds, IED, weapons effects, kidnapping, rescue by
force, First Aid, and fire fighting in the field. - To make decisions effectively as a team leader and function as a supportive team
member in hostile environments and stressful situations, and gain a working
knowledge of PTSD, Moral Injury (MI), and Psychological First Aid (PFA).
How to register
For registration:
email to trainingco @hdff.org
or follow the link below:
HEAT.3. Field Travel Survival Masterclass – “Yellow/Green Deployment” (2.5 days)
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:20:59 +0000
HDFF’s Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) Field Travel Survival is a basic safety training designed primarily for humanitarian workers and short-term mission travelers from (I)NGOs, governmental and UN organizations, as well as international civilians and corporate personnel. It addresses the safety needs of those working/based in, or traveling through “Yellow or Green Countries,” which are classified as medium or low-risk areas by insurance and foreign service advisories.
The training aims to increase participants’ security awareness and survival mindset in unknown environments, and for participants to prepare prepared if a situation turns hostile during field travel and/or field-based work. The training is led by experienced and culturally sensitive trainers, ensuring the highest level of safety for all participants. The training is highly participatory and scenario-based, with predominantly practical field simulations.
Objectives:
- To enhance the resilience of personnel by developing a field survival mindset that increases proactive and responsive capabilities in unknown/hostile environments.
- To develop skills for mitigating risks while on the move, such as vehicle familiarization, medical preparedness and casualty treatment, pre-travel planning and journey management, checkpoint behavior, handling a damaged vehicle, firefighting in the field, and evacuation.
- To develop confidence in participants’ capabilities to cope with challenging situations.
How to register
For registration, please email to trainingco@hdff.org
Analysing Disrupted Health Systems (ADHS)
Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:17:09 +0000
If you are a health professional working in or with countries in crisis, working as health personnel in government institutions, NGOs, UN agencies and humanitarian organisations or as an independent consultant, then this course is intended for you.
This two week training programme for health professionals focuses on the analysis of health systems in countries affected by, or recovering from, protracted crisis. It is organised jointly with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Participants will be equipped to analyse disrupted health systems in complex emergencies, discuss humanitarian aid and politics, human rights policies, and strategies and plans of key actors.
Objectives
At the end of the course the participants will be able to:
- Use adequate frameworks and approaches for health system analysis in crisis countries and apply the relevant lessons to local contexts
- Assess disrupted health systems’ structure and identify key weaknesses and distortions
- Identify health system adaptations during crises and formulate measures to develop effective strategies and plans
- Present findings of health systems analysis
For more information on this course go to: https://www.kit.nl/institute/programme/analysing-disrupted-health-systems/
This course is tropEd accredited and can be followed as a stand-alone course or as specialisation course of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity programme.
How to registerApplication procedureThe complete application is due 2 months before the start of the course.Please upload your application online via the course page on our KIT Online Application System by clicking on the 'Apply now' button on the KIT website
The following documents should be uploaded:
- A one-page letter of motivation
- Copies of your diplomas
- Copies of your academic transcripts (grade reports)
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable
Market Systems Development (MSD)
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:46:45 +0000
Why take this course?
Market systems development programmes support people living in poverty in increasing their income, gaining employment, and purchasing basic goods. The approach can achieve sustainable impact at scale but faces many practical challenges. For example, what sectors should you work in? Who should you partner with, and how? How can you learn from implementation and adapt your programme?
This DevLearn online training course will introduce the core concepts of market systems development and provide simple, practical tips to enable you to implement them in your context.
Our online training is cost-effective, interactive, and entertainingly delivered through videos, guided exercises, and group discussions. The course will take approximately four days to complete, but can be spread across multiple weeks and completed at any time that suits you.
Over one thousand people, including consultants, project managers, donors, and measurement specialists, have taken this DevLearn course and gained practical, effective skills in international development.
During this course, you will:
- Learn what a market systems approach is, and how it is different (and similar) to other approaches
- Understand how to analyse sectors and markets, and identify the most important challenges in each area.
- Find out how to develop interventions that are appropriate for the context. This includes developing a vision of success, partnering with appropriate actors, and negotiating deals.
- Learn how to manage interventions adaptively, gathering the most important information to help you and other market actors understand whether the intervention is working, and whether to change it.
- Understand concepts of scale and sustainability. If the pilot is successful, how can market actors take it to scale sustainably?
This interactive and participatory course is delivered entirely online, over four weeks. The course begins on the 4th of May 2026 and ends on the 29th of May 2026. It is part-time, taking between half and a full day a week from participants, and can be combined alongside a full-time job. The course consists of four components:
- Recorded Videos
You will have access to recorded videos, which introduce the course material in an interesting, accessible way - Weekly Webinars
We run a weekly live webinar to practice what you’ve learned, share your experiences, and learn from other participants and the facilitators. - Forum Discussions
You can ask (and answer) any questions you want in the forum, and get answers from other participants and the course facilitators. - Assignments
There is one optional assignment, assessed by DevLearn team members.
The course typically takes four days to complete over the month. It is completely flexible (apart from the live webinars) – you can watch the lectures, participate in the forum, and do the assignments whenever you want. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
How to registerTo register, please fill out the registration form
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:33:46 +0000
Why take this course?
Development programmes working in inclusive economic growth need to understand the context they work in, monitor changes, and adapt their work accordingly. This sounds simple, yet challenging in practice. What should we be measuring? What is a ‘good enough’ measurement, and how do we attribute the change to our programme? And – hardest of all – how do you get decision-makers to change their minds?
DevLearn’s online training course answers these questions and more, using the DCED Standard for Results Measurement, a practical framework used by over a hundred programmes worldwide.
Course objectives and structure:
During this course, you will:
- Learn how to build a practical, adaptive results measurement system.
- Develop a theory of change showing the logic of an intervention, explore the assumptions that you make in intervention design, and articulate indicators.
- Understand how to select from different research techniques to measure these indicators, and attribute results to the programme.
- Have your questions answered online by the course facilitator and other experts working in results measurement.
This interactive and participatory course is delivered entirely online, over four weeks. The course begins on the 4th of May 2026 till the 29th of May 2026. It is part-time, taking between half and a full day a week from participants, and can be combined alongside a full-time job. The course consists of four components:
- Recorded Videos
You will have access to recorded videos, which introduce the course material in an interesting, accessible way - Weekly Webinars
We run a weekly live webinar to practice what you’ve learned, share your experiences, and learn from other participants and the facilitators. - Forum Discussions
You can ask (and answer) any questions you want in the forum, and get answers from other participants and the course facilitators. - Assignments
There is one optional assignment, assessed by DevLearn team members.
The course typically takes four days to complete over the month. It is completely flexible (apart from the live webinars) – you can watch the lectures, participate in the forum, and do the assignments whenever you want.
You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
To register, please fill out the registration form
