Introduction to Crisis Communication, Advocacy, Negotiation, and Mediation
November 16-20, 2025
8:30 am-3:30 pm
In Person at Georgetown University in Qatar
In today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world, navigating humanitarian action in crises and conflicts requires a multifaceted set of skills. This comprehensive five-day course equips participants with the tools to address complex humanitarian challenges effectively.
Through interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and hands-on practical exercises, participants will explore the roots and dynamics of conflicts, the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and the fundamentals of humanitarian work. Key topics include engaging with armed groups and non-state actors, understanding rights and duties in conflict zones, and mastering advocacy and communication in humanitarian contexts.
By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in crisis communication, negotiation, and mediation, along with practical skills to make a positive impact in humanitarian settings.
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for:
- Junior and mid-level diplomats looking to sharpen their skills and expand their global outlook.
- Law students and graduates eager to connect theory with real-world humanitarian challenges.
- Media and communication students or young professionals interested in the power of storytelling in conflict and crisis.
- International relations and political science students or graduates aspiring to careers in diplomacy, policy, or global affairs.
- Employees of international and local organizations seeking practical insights into humanitarian action and advocacy.
| Program Fees |
|---|
| Price for the three day course: USD 5,000* Contact Zaubash Shakir at zs150@georgetown.edu for more information. *Discounts available on single course registration for corporate groups and QF Alumni. |
About the Instructor
Yara Khawaja is the Deputy Head of the ICRC Mission and Advisor for Humanitarian Affairs in Qatar. She began her career as a journalist, gaining strong expertise in media and communication before joining the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2012. Since then, she has built over a decade of experience at the intersection of media and humanitarian action.
In her role as spokesperson for the ICRC, Yara represented the organization in Lebanon, South Sudan, Iraq, and Yemen. These assignments enabled her to report on conflicts and their impact on vulnerable populations firsthand, while strengthening her knowledge of international humanitarian law through direct, on-the-ground experience. By witnessing the realities of war and crisis, she has developed deep insights into the complexities of humanitarian response and the importance of adherence to international legal frameworks.
Yara’s academic background further complements her fieldwork. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Lebanese International University in Beirut, which provided her with a strong theoretical foundation in media and communication. This blend of professional and academic experience has allowed her to effectively translate her skills from journalism into humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy.
Bringing together her multifaceted expertise, Yara is recognized as a dedicated professional committed to addressing the challenges faced by communities affected by conflict and crisis. Her ability to bridge media and humanitarian affairs makes her a valuable voice in advancing humanitarian principles and fostering greater awareness of the needs of populations in conflict zones.