Since its establishment in 1992, the Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation (CIIAN) has been a trailblazer in the fields of negotiation and mediation. As the first pan-Canadian institute to offer certificates in these disciplines, CIIAN has gained a formidable reputation for its exceptional programming and training.

After meticulous design and planning, in 1992, CIIAN launched a comprehensive certificate program in Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR), which was guided by the philosophy of theory-informed practice.  CIIAN attracted some of the most skilled and qualified trainers to deliver the program and a wide diversity of candidates participated in the ADR Program from across Canada and beyond over the years. We have revised our original program five times to ensure its quality and maintain our unique position in the marketplace and expanded our offerings across a wide range of topics in conflict, negotiation and human rights, including offering professional designations for conflict resolution practitioners and negotiators, that are backed by the professionalism and ethical foundations of CIIAN.

Beyond Canada’s borders, CIIAN is committed to advancing the field of negotiation and mediation. In 1994, we initiated an international program that has fostered collaborations with organizations worldwide. From supporting emerging conflict resolution programs in post-Soviet Union environments to empowering mid-range actors in diverse regions such as Eastern Europe, South America, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, CIIAN has played pivotal roles as a catalyst, mentor, designer, trainer, and evaluator. Today, we proudly partner with organizations in various countries, custom-designing and offering our esteemed Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Training Program to international audiences from over 30 nations.

Our dedication to impactful initiatives and strategic partnerships has been instrumental in advancing conflict resolution and mediation. At CIIAN, we excel in designing and developing pioneering programs that shape the landscape of conflict resolution. Noteworthy examples include the design and development of the inaugural program for the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the Center for Development and Integration, and our provision of negotiation and mediation training for Canada’s Department of Defence’s Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC). Furthermore, CIIAN has delivered specialized courses on negotiating and mediating in disaster contexts and humanitarian emergencies in partnership with the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. Our expertise is sought after globally, with training programs delivered to prestigious organizations such as the ZIF Centre for International Peace Operations, the Swiss Foreign Ministry, and the University of York’s Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit.

Always seeking new and innovative ways to reduce violence and to use alternative dispute resolution as a means of fulfilling the interests of all parties concerned, CIIAN launched the International Peace and Prosperity Project (IPPP) in Guinea-Bissau. Using highly-targeted small grants at critical points during a stressful period, CIIAN effectively and timely intervened to diffuse social tensions and prevent violence in this small West African nation. We have also earned accolades for our customized corporate programs, ranging from conflict management in the workplace, to mediation of alleged harassment and early intervention programs within the Public Service Commission’s appeals process. Our partnerships with Canadian police services have enhanced collaborative community policing efforts nationwide, while training civil servants at the federal and provincial levels has equipped them with negotiation and mediation skills to handle potentially volatile situations and better understand the concerns and interests of the parties involved.

In addition to our renowned training programs, CIIAN offers professional services, drawing upon our extensive experience and expertise. Over the years, we have conducted investigations, interventions, and provided effective mediation services to address a wide range of conflict scenarios. As the field of ADR continues to evolve, CIIAN remains at the forefront of development and adaptation. Our training programs incorporate the latest research and empirically tested methods refined by our seasoned practitioners. Choosing CIIAN means gaining access to unparalleled expertise, a network of accomplished professionals, and training programs that consistently stay ahead of the curve.