​The results of the IV International Student Mediation and Negotiation Competition «Mediation of the Future» have been finally summed up in Minsk. A team of students from Astafiev Krasnoyarsk State Pedagogical University took part in the competition for the first time and instantly won the «Best Debut» nomination.

The main events of the competition took place in the main facility of the Centre of Excellence for senior employees and specialists of the Republic of Belarus Ministry of Finance. The competition was held in the format of a business game, as student teams resolved specific conflicts, as well as unique cases.

In two qualifying rounds, it was imperative for the participants to demonstrate the ability to build discussions at various levels, defend one’s position taking the interests of the opponent into account, maintain a friendly atmosphere, and strive for mutually beneficial cooperation. As a result, students acquired negotiation skills to use in difficult situations, which are becoming the core competences for the new generation nowadays.

This year a total of 28 teams took part in the contest. The 1st place in the nomination «Negotiators» was taken by the team of Kuban State University, Far Eastern Federal University took the 2nd place, whereas the Russian State Academy of Justice won the 3rd. In the nomination «Mediators», St. Petersburg State University was the victor, while the 2nd place was taken by the Russian State Academy of Justice, and 3rd place – by Belarusian State University (International Affairs Department).

According to the organisers, Krasnoyarsk students showed a high level of competence and knowledge, the jury truly recognised their skills.

«Krasnoyarsk literally won us over with this Siberian charisma, confidence and involvement. It was a commendable participation, starting with a welcoming speech at the opening and ending with a proactive attitude and professional level,» – expert and professional mediator Elena Zhdanovich (Belarus) noted.