Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains how negotiators can overcome political, economic, and ideological divides to build solutions – solutions that address the issues of all sides and achieve positive outcomes. It also explains what a real “win” looks like in a multilateral venue, achieved at times through understanding the psychology at work, sending the right messages, and taking a well-timed pause. The book offers tips that negotiators can add to their networking toolkit to build appropriate rapport with others in a negotiation. It describes the essential elements of a formal UN meeting – both the formal and informal components. The book discusses how a Chair can leverage all the available resources to facilitate an outcome appropriate to the collective level of ambition.