Ben Lee is a negotiator, mediator and strategist.
LEE.ADV is committed to peacebuilding and resolving conflicts in ways that ensure that people and communities are heard and empowered to advance their own solutions.
About Ben
Ben Lee has more than two decades of international negotiation, peacebuilding, human rights, conflict resolution and crisis leadership experience. His work has taken him to more than 30 countries.
An international lawyer and accredited Mediator, Ben served with the United Nations in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Myanmar and with the UN’s Syria Commission of Inquiry. He led investigations into alleged atrocities, monitored prisons, engaged with armed actors and advised senior officials.
Ben was also a negotiator for Australia at the UN in Geneva, leading on Syria, Sudan, climate change and other high profile resolutions. Before this, he was an advisor on Northern Ireland’s bill of rights process and partnered with Pacific nations to set up independent national human rights institutions. Most recently, Ben has supported Myanmar's pro-democracy movement with its UN negotiations and diplomacy.
Ben’s specialist mediation practice helps individuals, institutions, workplaces and community organisations to resolve conflict and shape durable solutions.
Ben calls Sydney home. He’s a volunteer surf lifesaver and serves on a number of advisory boards and committees including the United Nations Association of Australia (NSW) and the Sydney Peace Foundation.
NEGOTIATION
LEE.ADV negotiations help human rights defenders, pro-democracy movements, umbrella NGOs and civil society organisations to increase their reach and impact.
Ben has been a negotiator at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for States, NHRIs and ECOSOC-accredited NGOs. He’s also been a member of a resolution core group and on a UPR troika.
Ben uses his insider’s knowledge and hands-on experience to support partners to:
identify priorities and opportunities
design creative engagement strategies
connect with key delegations
develop technical proposals
mentor emerging negotiators.
He also provides in-person or remote assistance during Human Rights Council sessions to help his partners access and influence fast-moving negotiations.
MEDIATION
LEE.ADV mediation helps individuals, workplaces, community organisations and institutions to resolve conflicts and shape their own durable solutions.
An AMDRAS accredited Mediator, Ben brings a rare combination of international negotiation, diplomacy, crisis management and conflict resolution expertise to his practice. His mediations provide a safe and positive setting where participants feel heard and understood and are empowered to reach their own resolutions.
Having worked extensively in conflict zones and led complex negotiations, Ben is trauma aware and navigates challenging conversations with sensitivity. His experience working across countries, cultures and organisations also helps him to appreciate a range of perspectives.
Ben offers flexible, values-based mediation packages that bring a tailored approach to each dispute and meet the specific needs of his organisational partners.
Ben i’s a professional member of the Resolution Institute and has completed mediation training with swisspeace in Switzerland.
Feel free to call Ben on +61 (0)466 053 483 or email him on lee.adv@proton.me to arrange a consultation.
STRATEGY
LEE.ADV strategic advisory leverages Ben’s extensive experience working with the UN, governments, advisory bodies, national human rights institutions and civil society.
LEE.ADV strategic advisory:
connects partners to an expansive international network
provides high-level policy advice
develops strategies on political and UN engagement
prepares submissions to UN forums and bodies, and technical contributions to the negotiation of resolutions
provides crisis communications support and crafts public statements, speeches and op-eds.
TEACHING
Ben is passionate about preparing the next generation, and offers tailored professional development programs to organisations and institutions.
Ben has been a trainer for the UN, the Diplomacy Training Program, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and numerous universities.
He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the United Nations Association of Australia (NSW) and the Advisory Committee of the Sydney Peace Foundation.
Furthermore, Ben’s a regular keynote speaker and panellist, gives television and radio interviews, and advises on screenplay development. He also publishes articles and blog posts that draw on his experiences. These include:
Contact Ben on lee.adv@proton.me with professional development, teaching, public speaking or media inquiries.
RESOURCES
Resources that make international careers more accessible.
One of Ben’s most popular publications is Peacocks & Procedure, the negotiator’s guide to surviving and thriving at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. It’s essential reading for newly posted diplomats.
Back by popular demand in an updated second edition, Peacocks & Procedure is co-authored with Bob Last OBE, the most experienced negotiator in Geneva.
Contact Ben
LEE.ADV welcomes new partnerships and opportunities to help resolve conflicts.
Contact Ben on +61 (0)466 053 483 or complete the form below. And feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn.