Our Programmes
Training. Dialogue. Research. Global Impact
Training. Dialogue.
Global impact.
From immersive in-person forums and international summits to online education, publications, and a global membership community — GDF's programmes represent the full spectrum of diplomatic learning and connection.
Online Education
GDF Academy
The GDF Academy is our online learning platform — a growing catalogue of expert-led courses covering diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, regional affairs, and professional development. Courses are designed and taught by practitioners: Oxford professors, UN officials, senior diplomats, and international affairs specialists.
All courses are self-paced, certificate-bearing, and available in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish — making world-class diplomatic education accessible wherever you are in the world.
Flagship Forum
Young Diplomats Forum
The Young Diplomats Forum is GDF's flagship event — an intensive five-day programme bringing together emerging leaders from across the globe for diplomatic practice, policy workshops, institutional visits, and cross-cultural exchange.
Now in its 25th edition, YDF has been held in capitals including London, Brussels, Washington D.C., Beijing, Riga, Kuala Lumpur, and more — in partnership with institutions including Johns Hopkins SAIS, the Government of Flanders, and Schwarzman Scholars. Its alumni now hold positions in governments and international organisations across 175 countries.
- Five days of intensive diplomatic practice and policy workshops
- Institutional visits and sessions with senior practitioners
- Delegates from 100+ countries per edition
- Delivered in partnership with leading global institutions
- Alumni in governments and IOs across 175 countries
"YDF was a fantastic experience. It presented an amazing opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and learn from those around me — with a combination of interactive sessions, cultural learning and networking that felt genuinely diplomatic."
YDF Delegate · London Edition
Annual Forum
Career in International
Affairs Forum
The Career in International Affairs Forum is GDF's annual careers event — connecting students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with leading organisations working across diplomacy, international development, global security, and policy.
CIAF brings together speakers and representatives from international organisations, NGOs, foreign ministries, think tanks, and the private sector — offering a practical, on-the-ground view of what a career in international affairs actually looks like.
Panel discussions and career conversations with senior practitioners
Networking with representatives from leading international organisations
Insight into pathways across diplomacy, development, security, and policy
Open to students, graduates, and early-career professionals
