In this session, the presenter discusses how diversity issues may impact the mediation process causing communication interruption and placing any hope for resolution in jeopardy; presenter looks at the impact of parties’ and /or mediator’s cultural background on negotiation styles and offers suggestions for developing the cultural competence necessary to mediate successfully. Topics discussed:  The impact of parties’ and /or mediator’s cultural background on negotiation styles  Suggestions for developing the cultural competence necessary to mediate successfully  Diversity as a broad concept, not limited to race, religion or color  Diversity intelligence  Generalizations - helpful or not  Suggestions on how to successfully manage the variety of cultural and diversity issues in mediation  The role and obligations of parties and mediator(s) during the mediation conference  "Them" or "they" - causes of mistrust