Table of Contents
Preface Main Page
Foreword

Part 1 The Negotiating Context
1. The Climate Change Problem
 2. The Climate Convention
and the Kyoto Protocol
3. The Bodies in the Regime
4. The Rules of Procedure
5. State and Non-State Actors
6. Coalitions in the Climate
Change Regime
7. The G-77 and China

Part 2 Negotiating Skills
8. The Ideal Negotiator
 9. The Handicapped Negotiator
10. Coping Strategies
11. Tips and Tricks for the
Lonely Diplomat
 12. Index to the FCCC
 13. References




Part II: Negotiating Skills
10. Coping Strategies
Filling a hollow mandate / Coping with handicapped negotiating power / Coping with handicapped negotiating power: Strategies / Drafting / Submitting / Speaking / Tips and tricks

10.7 Tips and tricks

  • Explore opportunities domestically to increase the size of the delegation; domestic industry might be willing to finance its own participation and NGOs and academics could try to raise some resources for also joining the delegation.

  • Familiarize yourself with other countries' positions to understand what to expect.

  • Know what back up resources exist and what channels are open for reinforcement.

  • Adopt the other countries' position if it will give you more advantage.

  • Defend substance, not language.

  • Be simple and clear and avoid technical phraseology.

  • Be prepared to "think on your feet."

  • Do not let the Chair railroad you to accept unacceptable decisions.

  • Be aware of language "traps"‹unwelcome policy implications stemming from unclear text.

  • Be clear on what you want, what other Parties want, and which items are "bargaining chips."

  • Be watchful when a Party makes flattering comments to see if this is a tactic to divert your attention from the substance.

  • Listen to the other side and see if there are concessions being made.

  • If new concepts are introduced, make sure the brackets are not in the incorrect place.

  • Watch the brackets; don't allow the [shalls] to become [should] or [may], unless it is in your interest.

  • Garner support for your objection before objecting. Ensure others will follow you with supportive interventions.

  • Avoid saying "delete"; instead try to use alternative language to express what you want.

  • Watch out for "this is covered elsewhere," "as appropriate," "all Parties" and the comment‹"this is not relevant."

  • Not everyone in other coalitions is your opponent on specific issues; identify friends in relation to specific issues.

  • Don't add the same text in every paragraph; get the key elements in one paragraph and make it as strong as possible.

  • Define a strategy of your own and be proactive.

  • Use NGO publications to test your position, ideas, suggestions, etc.

  • Keep a diary during the negotiations and record the proceedings and in particular keep a detailed record of how you have negotiated. This will be extremely valuable information for your successor in future negotiation rounds.

    For more information visit:

    International Forum for Capacity Building (Many Southern NGOs participate) http://ifcb-ngo.org/index.html