International trade is now widely acknowledged as an important engine of growth in most developing and transition economies. The recent ministerial meetings of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have further demonstrated the importance of international trade and investment flows, with many developing economies joining hands to vigorously defend their interests in this area.

Prior to the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which were concluded in December 1993, multilateral trade negotiations were seen as a preserve of the developed countries and the developing countries have only a marginal role to play in the negotiation process; they were primarily the recipients of preferential market access and other special differential treatment.

The rapid development and use of new payment products and services, including pre-paid and store-value cards or e-cash, mobile payments, internet based payments and virtual currencies, has changed the dynamics of the 21st century financial market and services.

Despite their endowment of natural wealth, resource-rich developing countries among the poorest, low democratic and most conflict-ridden countries of the world.

Gender mainstreaming has increasingly gained importance over the past three decades. Originally viewed as an issue best confined to the social and development issues, the importance of gender mainstreaming has gained momentum with the realization that all regulations and policies have different impacts on the different genders.

As it is, 'negotiation' is a complex set of interactions between parties or individuals. Add to it the dimension of 'conflict', and we find ourselves on very slippery terrain. This online course is a primer on negotiating for conflict and dispute resolution. It aims at providing participants with the fundamental understanding and tools for complex negotiations under conflict situations.