Young Diplomats Forum
London 2024
The World’s Leading Event for Young Leaders
Are you ready to become a part of the next generation of global leaders? The Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), an intensive week-long program designed to enhance and develop the skills of aspiring global leaders. With practical sessions, workshops, policy exercises, and institutional visits led by world-renowned experts, YDF is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools to engage with key stakeholders at a crucial time in your career.
Join a community of bright and accomplished future leaders, and broaden your connections to influence global leaders at the 20th edition of YDF, where young and aspiring diplomats from all around the world come together to tackle the latest issues in international affairs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your diplomatic career to the next level!
2nd-6th September 2024
20th Edition
Success of our Alumni
Building upon the success of our 18 editions of the Young Diplomats Forum held worldwide, we are delighted to witness our alumni assuming pivotal roles in the governments of 175 countries and international organisations such as the United Nations, WTO, EU institutions, NATO, ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, and others.
Highlights of the Week
Diplomacy in the 21st Century with leading experts at the Global Diplomats Forum
Digital Diplomacy in collaboration with the Facebook Europe
The Future of the EU session with leading experts
A New World Order and ASEAN Place in the World Session
China’s Global engagement in the world
Impact of Events in the MENA on Regional and Global Order
Policy development workshop
Cultural Tour of Greenwich
Team Building and Fun activities: Climbing up the O2, Crossing the Thames in Cable Car, Adventure Golf
Closing Ceremony at the Liberal Club
Tour Visit to the House of Commons and Buckingham Palace
Why Attend?
Gain exposure to global affairs and learn about topics such as diplomacy, human rights, conflict resolution, and international development
Develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives on global issues
Engage with ambassadors, government officials, media experts, and more, as you delve into the latest issues in global affairs
Have the opportunity to form lasting friendships with fellow aspiring leaders from around the world, all while exploring the culture and institutions of the host country
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for leadership and success in today's complex and interconnected world
Participate in workshops, group activities, and interactive sessions that help develop leadership skills and facilitate personal growth
Build cultural awareness and appreciation through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Gain a unique and memorable experience that can enhance your personal and professional development for years to come
Applications Now Open
To apply for this year’s Young Diplomats Forum in London, you need to send through a personal statement (no more than 500 words) that tells us about your leadership ambitions. Also send through your latest CV. Send through to ydf@gdforum.org
Applications Process
Once you have sent through your statement and CV, you will be contacted within 14 days to inform you if you have been successful in your application.
Fees
The fees for this year’s YDF London is £1,395, which includes accommodation. For those who do not need accommodation, the fees will be £995
Join the ranks of tomorrow's global leaders - the ultimate destination for young and ambitious change-makers
Cultural Events During the Week
Climb up the 02
VIP Tour of the Houses of Parliament
Cable Car Across the River Thames
Tour of Buckingham Palace
National Liberal Club
Supporters and Partners
Golf
Tour of Greenwich
Previous Editions
Previous editions took place in Ankara (September 2013), Mexico (June 2014), London ( September 2014), Greece ( June 2015), Croatia ( September 2016) and Latvia ( September 2017) and online ( Washington, Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, London, Brasilia)
Niamh Callinan
“Young Diplomats Forum was a fantastic experience, one that I am grateful for being able to participate in. As a very young professional, I worked incredibly hard but struggled to find a welcoming space in international affairs due to the minimal professional experience I possessed at the time. YDF presented an amazing opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and learn from those around me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way YDF was structured; with a combination of interactive sessions, cultural learning experiences, networking and project work; it really felt like I was participating in a Diplomatic programme. I have made life-long connections with other participants who I shared this experience with.
I think participating in YDF has allowed me to rapidly progress in my professional and volunteer work. I highly recommend YDF to any young person who is interested in pursuing a career in the realm of international affairs and relations. .”
Brock Mays
Attending the Young Diplomats Forum in 2017 (Riga, Latvia) and 2018 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) was a life-changing and crucial part of my time as a student. It gave me the opportunity to meet, collaborate, and learn with so many intelligent and talented students and experts from around the world. As it is such a multicultural group, I enjoyed being able to learn from their individual experiences and unique worldviews, particularly in the group presentations. Several of the people I met are now lifelong friends. I was surprised and pleased at how much new information about diplomacy and international relations I was able to learn during the experience. I consider my time in Latvia and Malaysia as important as many of my graduate-level courses in university. I wholeheartedly recommend to any student who has the opportunity to attend YDF!”