Developing Natural Resource Negotiating Capabilities in Mexico

The MIT-Mexico Negotiation Program is developing an executive negotiation teaching and training program for Mexico’s resource management sector.

The goal is to further enhance the skills and strategies available to government and private sector managers involved in water, energy, and natural resource management negotiations at local, national, and international scales. Under the leadership of Dr. Bruno Verdini, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, Leadership and Negotiation specialized training modules, with tailored syllabi and negotiation exercises, are being developed and delivered in collaboration with leading universities, corporations and research institutions in Mexico. The teaching and training materials focus on energy transition and planning, water conservation, infrastructure investment, facility siting, climate change adaptation, hazardous waste management, and environmental restoration.

Skill building emphasizes negotiation preparation to the resolution of disputes arising during the implementation of agreements. The principles and strategies include, among others, how to effectively move beyond hard-bargaining tactics, enhance stakeholder-engagement, incorporate scientific insights into the decision-making process, manage the tensions between creating and claiming value, insulate agreement against spoilers, and account for unpredictable circumstances.

The Program maintains ties to Mexico’s Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Mexican Ministries of the Environment and Foreign Affairs,