We know that speaking out against discrimination often seems simple. But in practice, it can still be nerve-wracking. That is precisely why practising is so important!
Image: © Academy
Group photo of the participants and trainers of the Ivy Foundation at the practise session on 18 May 2026.
On 18 May, the Academy for International Relations, in collaboration with the IVY Foundation, organised a training session for colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA/BZ). In a safe setting, participants practised how to address other people's behaviour and thereby positively influence the social norm.
By role-playing real-life situations with colleagues and taking on different roles, they practised:
- addressing the issue indirectly and empathetically (one-to-one: calling in)
- speaking up directly and clearly (in a group: calling out)
Practising often makes it easier to actually say something in real-life situations. And even if it doesn’t go perfectly, it is still a brave and clear message that this behaviour is unacceptable.
We like to thank the Ivy Foundation for this useful practice session!