The Global Diplomatic Forum (GDF) is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening diplomacy worldwide. Founded over 12 years ago and registered as a UK charity (No. 1149226), GDF brings together emerging and established diplomats, policymakers, students, and international affairs professionals from more than 175 countries through world-class training, global summits, and a thriving international community.

GDF runs several flagship events designed specifically for students and professionals in international relations and politics. These include the Young Diplomats Forum ; a five-day youth diplomacy conference held in cities including Brussels, London, and Beijing, the London Diplomatic Summit, which brings together established diplomats and senior policymakers, and the Career in International Affairs Forum, which connects students and graduates with leading organisations in the field. GDF also offers online courses through the GDF Academy covering diplomacy, foreign policy, global governance, and more.

GDF's flagship youth diplomacy conference is the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), now in its 24th edition. Held multiple times a year in global cities; including Brussels (July 2026), London (September 2026), and Beijing (August 2026). YDF is a five-day intensive programme for aspiring diplomats under 30. Each edition includes high-level briefings, practical workshops, policy exercises, and exclusive institutional visits to organisations such as the EU, NATO, and national parliaments. Past editions have been held in Brussels, London, Malaysia, the USA, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, and Mexico.

Yes. GDF runs multiple international forums each year focused on diplomacy and global leadership. Upcoming events in 2026 include the Young Diplomats Forum Brussels (13–17 July), the Young Diplomats Forum Beijing, the Young Diplomats Forum London (20–24 September), and the London Diplomatic Summit. These forums bring together delegates from across the world to engage with ambassadors, MEPs, government officials, and leading experts in global affairs.

GDF Membership gives you access to a global network of diplomats, policymakers, academics, and international affairs professionals spanning more than 175 countries. Members benefit from invitations to GDF events throughout the year, access to an active international community, and opportunities to engage with GDF's growing network of alumni, fellows, and advisors. You can apply for membership at gdforum.org/membership.

The GDF Academy offers a range of premium online courses in diplomacy and international relations, available in four languages and designed for both students and working professionals. Courses cover topics including diplomacy in the 21st century, public diplomacy, US foreign policy, trade and economic diplomacy, media training for diplomats, and understanding ASEAN in global politics. Courses are self-paced and come with a GDF certificate of completion. Browse all courses at gdforum.org/gdf-academy.

The Global Diplomatic Forum is a registered UK non-profit organisation (charity number 1149226) dedicated to strengthening diplomacy worldwide. Through its programmes — including youth diplomacy conferences, online courses, international summits, and a global membership network — GDF works to widen participation in global affairs, support emerging diplomatic leaders, and foster meaningful dialogue on the key challenges shaping international relations.

GDF Membership is open to diplomats, international affairs professionals, academics, policymakers, and those with a strong interest in global affairs. As a member, you gain access to GDF events, a global network of professionals across 175+ countries, and opportunities to engage with GDF's community of fellows and advisors. Visit gdforum.org/membership to apply.

The Young Diplomats Forum is GDF's flagship youth diplomacy conference, running since the organisation's founding and now in its 24th edition. It is a five-day programme for aspiring diplomats and international affairs professionals under the age of 30, combining high-level policy briefings, practical workshops, negotiation exercises, and exclusive institutional visits. Delegates come from 90+ countries per edition and leave with a GDF certificate, an international peer network, and hands-on experience in real-world diplomatic practice.

The GDF Academy is GDF's online learning platform, offering premium self-paced courses in diplomacy and international relations. Courses are available in four languages and are designed for students and early-to-mid career professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of global affairs, build practical diplomatic skills, and earn a recognised certificate. Course topics range from foundational diplomacy to specialist areas including AI and diplomacy, public diplomacy, and economic statecraft.

The London Diplomatic Summit is GDF's flagship annual summit, bringing together established diplomats, senior policymakers, government officials, and international affairs leaders for a day of high-level dialogue on the key issues shaping global politics. Unlike the Young Diplomats Forum, the Summit is aimed at professionals already working in diplomacy, international organisations, and government. The 2026 edition takes place in London.

The Career in International Affairs Forum is an annual event connecting students, graduates, and early-career professionals with leading organisations in the international affairs sector. It is designed for those exploring career pathways in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, global policy, and related fields. The 2027 edition takes place in London.

GDF events are open to participants from all nationalities. The Young Diplomats Forum is open to anyone under 30 with a genuine interest in diplomacy and international affairs — no prior diplomatic experience is required. The GDF Academy is open to all. The London Diplomatic Summit and Career in International Affairs Forum are open to a wider range of professionals and students. All GDF programmes are conducted in English.

To apply to the Young Diplomats Forum, submit your CV and a personal statement explaining your interest in diplomacy and international affairs at gdforum.org/ydf-application-form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For the GDF Academy, you can enrol directly in individual courses at gdforum.org/gdf-academy. For other events, visit the relevant event page on gdforum.org.

GDF events take place in major global cities. The Young Diplomats Forum has been held in Brussels, London, Malaysia, the USA, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Mexico, and Beijing, among others. The London Diplomatic Summit and Career in International Affairs Forum take place in London. The GDF Academy is fully online and accessible worldwide.

Yes. The Global Diplomatic Forum is a registered UK charity (No. 1149226) and registered on Companies House (No. 07566163), both of which are publicly searchable. GDF has held 24 editions of the Young Diplomats Forum across more than a dozen countries and holds a 4.9/5 rating on Google Reviews from past delegates. Past institutional partners have included NATO, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Houses of Parliament.

Yes. Partial scholarships are available for the Young Diplomats Forum for delegates who demonstrate financial need. Scholarship applications must be submitted by the relevant deadline listed on the event page. Contact ydf@gdforum.org for more information.

For general enquiries, visit gdforum.org/contact-us. For Young Diplomats Forum questions, email ydf@gdforum.org. You can also follow GDF on Instagram (@globaldiplomaticforum) and Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programmes.