On September 6, regional partners gathered in Ulanbaatar for the latest iteration of the Northeast Asia Peace Games. Designed as a half-day, multi-party simulation, the Peace Games offer participants experiential learning opportunities to navigate complex negotiation dynamics in Northeast Asia.
Pioneered by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) across various global contexts, members of GPPAC from throughout the region have actively collaborated to develop and implement these simulations. To date, Peace Games events have engaged over 600 participants across more than 30 simulations in eight countries, with educational materials translated into several local languages.
A Safe Space for Complex Negotiation
The Peace Games provide a constructive, safe environment for participants to explore conflict dynamics, role-play diverse perspectives, and engage in structured dialogue. By experimenting with de-escalation strategies and collaborative problem-solving, participants build practical negotiation skills, strengthen inter-regional relationships, and foster deep mutual understanding to support long-term, locally grounded peace efforts.
Reflecting the focus of GPPAC’s Climate, Peace, and Security (CLIMPSE) Project (CLIMPSE), this year’s simulation was centered on the theme: “Northeast Asia Transboundary Collaboration for Biodiversity & Ecological Resilience.”
Key Insights & Participant Reflections
Post-simulation evaluations highlighted several major takeaways regarding environmental diplomacy, regional engagement, and practical skills development, illustrating how experiential learning and environmental diplomacy can profoundly shift how young leaders view conflict, cooperation, and negotiation.
1. Environmental Issues as an Entry Point for Peace
Before entering the simulation, many participants viewed the intersection of peace and the environment as an abstract concept. By the end, participants realized that migratory birds, watershed systems, and shared ecosystems do not recognize political borders—making “Green Diplomacy” a pragmatic, non-threatening starting point for regional cooperation when traditional political channels are stalled.
- “Environmental cooperation can build trust and contribute to peace.”
- “The environment rarely abides by our borders, so if the interest is there, it can be a very valuable stepping point to peacebuilding between countries.”
- “Countries collaborate more easily on environmental issues. That collaboration can promote peace and security.”
- “Environmental issues are encouraging more cooperation than political agendas.”
2. Inclusive Regional Engagement
Prior to the workshop, reflections heavily mirrored mainstream media tropes regarding North Korea (DPRK). However, deep dives into regional ecological data—such as the unique biodiversity of the Paektu/Changbai mountain ranges—highlighted that the DPRK is an essential stakeholder in regional ecological governance. Addressing shared concerns provides a meaningful avenue to reframe regional relations from mutual suspicion to mutual responsibility.
- “There are multiple ways to include the DPRK in the region. The Korean Peninsula matters do concern the entire region, so we could include the DPRK as much as we can in possible areas such as environmental cooperation into regional dialogues.”
- “North Korea has an essential role in supporting peaceful development in Asia… It is still home to many animals and wildlife. Therefore, we should also focus on protecting its natural environment, just as we do in other countries.”
3. Personal & Professional Skill Development
The simulation served as an intense masterclass in the human side of diplomacy. Stepping into distinct, often conflicting national roles forced participants to let go of personal biases, exercise active listening, and understand what other parties needed to reach strategic compromise and build trust in real time.
- “This experience taught me that we are here with one common focus, and that it is important to keep my mind on why we are doing this rather than being biased by my own opinions. To work toward the betterment of a bigger issue, I need to listen to others and make decisions by considering the perspectives of others.”
- “The simulation helped me improve my communication, negotiation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. I learned how important it is to understand different perspectives and find compromises when working toward a common goal.”
Expanding Regional Partnerships
The September 6 session benefited from active engagement across civil society and key Mongolian partner organizations. It was facilitated by Khishigjargal Enkhbayar and Bilguuntodrokh Batsukh from the United Nations Association of Mongolia, and also included participation from the Mongolian Peacebuilding Institute (MONPI), Blue Banner, and the Mongolian Institute of Northeast Asian Security and Strategy.
The successful simulation reinforced the high relevance of the Peace Games as an innovative methodology for creative cooperation and served as a valuable forum to expand partnerships with youth-led and civil society organizations.
Moving forward, regional partners agreed that the Peace Games will remain a cornerstone highlight of the Ulaanbaatar Process (UBP), with ongoing efforts to further develop and adapt the methodology for broader use across Northeast Asia and globally. For further insights, explore AFSC’s white paper on Advancing Dialogue and Building Common Ground: Peace Games as a Strategic Tool for Sustaining Peace, or learn how GPPAC members around the world are utilizing the Peace Games methodology.
Co-funded by the European Union, these Peace Games were held as part of GPPAC’s CLIMPSE – Climate, Peace and Security: See More. Act Together project, which empowers local peacebuilders to act on the connections between climate, peace and security. By amplifying local solutions, the project informs policies and inspires action for the safety and security of people, communities and societies. Click here to find out more about CLIMPSE.
