Terms and Conditions

Courses 

These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between the Global Diplomatic Forum (GDF) and participants enrolled in our courses. By registering, participants agree to these Terms and Conditions in full.

1. Eligibility

  • Participants must meet any course-specific eligibility requirements as outlined in the course description.

  • GDF reserves the right to verify participant eligibility and cancel enrolment if requirements are not met.

2. Registration and Payment

  • To secure a place on any course, participants must pay the applicable fees in full.

  • Failure to make timely payments may result in forfeiture of the course spot.

3. Course Content and Availability

  • GDF strives to deliver all courses as described but reserves the right to modify content, instructors, schedules, or delivery formats if necessary.

  • Should a course be canceled or significantly changed, affected participants will be notified as soon as possible and offered alternative options where available.

4. Refund Policy

  • Cancellations by Participants:

    • No refunds will be issued once the participant has registered and paid for the course

  • Cancellations by GDF:

    • If GDF cancels a course, participants will receive a full refund or may transfer their enrolment to a future session at no additional cost.

5. Course Access and Conduct

  • Access to course materials is limited to enrolled participants and may not be shared with others.

  • Participants are expected to engage respectfully and professionally with instructors and peers.

  • GDF reserves the right to suspend or remove access for participants who engage in disruptive, inappropriate, or unlawful behavior.

6. Complaints Procedure

  • GDF is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences. If a participant is dissatisfied, they may raise a complaint by emailing our support team at [contact email].

  • Complaints should be submitted within 30 days of the course end date.

  • GDF aims to respond to all complaints and will work to resolve issues fairly and promptly.

7. Intellectual Property

  • All course materials, including but not limited to video recordings, presentations, and reading materials, are the intellectual property of GDF

  • Participants are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the materials for personal learning purposes only. Redistribution or commercial use is strictly prohibited.

8. Limitation of Liability

  • GDF's liability in connection with any course is limited to the fees paid by the participant.

  • GDF is not liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from participation in any course.

9. Data Protection and Privacy

  • GDF is committed to safeguarding participants' personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

  • By enrolling in a course, participants consent to the collection, processing, and storage of their data as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

10. Changes to Terms and Conditions

  • GDF reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.

11. Contact Information

  • For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at courses@gdforum.org

MINIMUM AGE AND PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT

Some Global Diplomatic Forum programmes, including the Young Diplomats Forum, may be open to participants under the age of 18. Where this is the case: - The minimum age for participation will be stated on the relevant programme's registration page. - Any participant under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian prior to registration, and the Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right to request written confirmation of this consent. - Parents or guardians of participants under 18 are responsible for ensuring the participant's travel, accommodation, and any medical or dietary arrangements are appropriately supervised, unless the Global Diplomatic Forum has explicitly agreed otherwise in writing. - The Global Diplomatic Forum's Safeguarding Policy Statement applies to all interactions with participants under 18 and takes precedence over these Terms and Conditions in the event of any conflict.

Membership

The Global Diplomatic Forum (GDF) annual membership begins on the date of your membership activation and is valid for 12 months from that date.

1. Monthly Membership Program

  • If you select the monthly membership program, your membership cannot be canceled until 30 days after the initial membership payment has been made.

  • Cancellation requests for monthly memberships should also be submitted as outlined below.

2. Cancellation Policy

  • All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to enquiries@gdforum.org.

  • Annual memberships are non-refundable; cancellations made before the end of the 12-month period will not result in any partial refund.

  • Monthly memberships require a minimum commitment period of 30 days after the initial payment before cancellation is accepted.

3. Events and Attendance

  • The number of events included in your membership may vary and may be higher or lower than the estimated number stated in your membership package.

  • Members are not entitled to refunds or adjustments for events they do not attend or if events are modified, canceled, or rescheduled.

  • This policy also applies to any briefings, networking receptions, or similar offerings provided under the membership.

4. Changes to Membership Terms

  • GDF reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Notice of significant changes will be provided in advance.

Merchandise

These terms apply to any purchase of merchandise through the Global Diplomatic Forum website. Orders and Payment: Orders are confirmed once payment has been received in full. The Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right to cancel any order where an item is unavailable, in which case a full refund will be issued. Delivery: Estimated delivery timelines will be provided at checkout or by email. The Global Diplomatic Forum is not liable for delays caused by third-party couriers or postal services. Returns and Faulty Goods: If you are an EU/UK consumer purchasing online, you have a statutory right to cancel most orders within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, provided the item is returned unused and in its original condition, in line with the Consumer Contracts Regulations. This does not affect your separate statutory rights in relation to faulty or misdescribed goods.

Young Diplomats Forum

CHANGES TO THE PROGRAMME

The Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right to modify the programme, including changes to the venue and/or speakers. Any substitutions or updates will be communicated on our website as soon as possible.

The Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right to cancel the Young Diplomats Forum if enrolment criteria are not met or in the event of conditions beyond its control. Every effort will be made to contact enrolled individuals if a programme is cancelled. If cancellation occurs, the Global Diplomatic Forum's liability is limited to the refund of the programme fee only.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DETAILS

Payment must be made in sterling or Euros ( depending on the location of the programme) prior to the event for the booking to be processed. Participants will not be permitted to join the Young Diplomats Forum without payment in advance.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be received in writing via email to ydf@gdforum.org

Options for Cancellations:

  • Substitute Attendee: You may send a substitute at no additional cost.

  • Refunds:

    • Cancellations 30 days or more prior to the event are eligible for a 100% credit voucher or refund.

    • Cancellations between 15-29 days prior to the event are eligible for a voucher to a different edition of the Young Diplomats Forum

    • Cancellations less than 15 days prior to the event, or failure to attend will not be eligible for any refund, voucher or transfer to another edition.

    • (Please note that in cases where a monetary refund is eligible, payments are issued strictly back to the original bank account or card from which the funds were received, in full compliance with international financial and Anti-Money Laundering regulations).

The Global Diplomatic Forum assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage due to substitution, alteration, cancellation, or postponement. In cases of alteration, rescheduling, postponement, or cancellation due to a fortuitous event or unforeseen occurrence, liability will not be assumed. Fortuitous events include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, government restrictions, war, terrorism, civil disorder, or transportation disruptions.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The responsibility for obtaining a visa rests entirely with each delegate, including application submissions, documentation, and adhering to any processing timelines. The Global Diplomatic Forum cannot assist with the visa process. Participants are advised to apply for visas well in advance to avoid issues.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Delegates are fully responsible for arranging and covering their travel and accommodation expenses, including transport to and from the airport. Should the Global Diplomatic Forum secure special rates at local hotels, details will be shared via promotional materials or the website. The Global Diplomatic Forum is not liable for any issues with accommodation providers or the quality of service rendered.

THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS

The Global Diplomatic Forum assumes no responsibility for issues arising from partner organisations or suppliers involved in our events.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

If you have special requirements (wheelchair access, large print, hearing loop, etc.), please inform the Global Diplomatic Forum at least one month prior to the event to ensure availability.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS

The Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right to use all photos and videos produced during events for marketing and promotional purposes. Any use of event media by third parties requires prior approval from the Global Diplomatic Forum.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Abusive, disruptive, or intolerant behaviour toward our staff or other participants before or during the event will not be tolerated and may result in immediate withdrawal from the event without a refund.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints must be submitted in writing to ydf@gdforum.org and will be reviewed after the event. Refunds will not be issued during the event.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The Global Diplomatic Forum is not responsible for covering any medical expenses incurred by participants. Each participant is responsible for obtaining their own health or medical insurance. In cases where participants do not have adequate insurance, they are liable for any costs incurred.

Unforeseen Circumstances

In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, acts of government, war, or other force majeure events) that result in the cancellation or rescheduling of a programme, the Global Diplomatic Forum reserves the right not to issue refunds. Instead, affected participants will be offered the opportunity to transfer their place to an alternative programme or a future edition of the same programme, subject to availability.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

Participants with any food allergy, intolerance, or dietary restriction (including religious or ethical requirements) must notify the Global Diplomatic Forum in writing at least one month prior to the event so that catering suppliers and venues can be informed in advance.

Notifying the Global Diplomatic Forum does not transfer responsibility for checking individual dishes. At any meal, reception, or catered session, participants remain responsible for confirming ingredients directly with venue or catering staff before eating. Many venues serve food family-style with shared dishes, and ingredients are not always evident from a menu description.

The Global Diplomatic Forum relies on third-party venues and caterers to prepare and serve food, and cannot verify the ingredients or preparation methods used by any external supplier. Accordingly, the Global Diplomatic Forum cannot guarantee that any dish is free from a particular allergen and accepts no liability for any allergic reaction, illness, or adverse effect arising from food or drink consumed at or in connection with any event, howsoever caused.

Participants with severe or life-threatening allergies are strongly advised to carry any necessary medication (e.g. an adrenaline auto-injector) at all times during the event, and to make their own arrangements for managing their condition. The Global Diplomatic Forum is not responsible for the availability of allergen-free options at any venue.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

SEVERABILITY If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT These Terms and Conditions, together with any programme-specific booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the participant and the Global Diplomatic Forum in relation to their participation, and supersede any prior representations or agreements.

OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

Safeguarding Policy Statement