From 6-8 October 2004, UNESCO's PCCP project hosted an innovative international role-play conference gathering more than 150 water professionals, decision-makers and diplomats, representatives of civil society, educators and post-graduate students from 41 countries for 3 days of intensive debate. The role-play format proved to be an excellent, constructive and engaging means for teaching and awareness-building of Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques in water management.