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.

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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)

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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!”