Young Diplomats Forum
Beijing
Young Diplomats Forum Beijing- 26TH EDITION
20th - 24th of September 2026
The Young Diplomats Forum Beijing is an immersive six-day programme for young and aspiring diplomats under the age of 30. Hosted in one of the world's most consequential capitals, this edition offers unparalleled access to China's diplomatic institutions, global governance bodies, and technology sector — giving delegates a front-row seat to the forces reshaping international relations.
The programme focuses on developing a new generation of diplomatic leaders equipped to navigate a multipolar world. Delegates will engage with former Chinese diplomats, international affairs experts, and peers from across the globe through expert-led sessions, institutional briefings, policy workshops, and cultural visits.
Beijing is not just a venue — it is the subject. From the Forbidden City to the ByteDance headquarters, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the 798 Art District, every day of the programme places delegates inside the institutions and spaces that define China's role in the 21st century.
Highlights of the week
Exclusive briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on China's foreign policy
Access to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretariat — regional security, counter-terrorism and economic collaboration across Eurasia
Visit to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on infrastructure financing and economic diplomacy in Asia
Briefing at the Confucius Institute Headquarters on cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange
A session at ByteDance Headquarters on technology, AI development and the geopolitics of global content platforms
Expert-led sessions on China and the Shifting World Order, Climate Diplomacy, Trade and Economic Statecraft, and Technology as Foreign Policy
Deep dives into critical issues including: China's Role in Global Governance · AI and the Future of Diplomacy · Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Century · Tariffs, Sanctions and Economic Statecraft · UN Reform · Sovereign Funds and Diplomacy
Policy Development Workshop: collaborative group exercise to draft and present a real policy brief to the Forum
Cultural visits to the Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the 798 Art District
Exceptional networking with fellow participants shaping the future of diplomacy
How to Apply
Delegates are required to submit their current CV alongside a personal statement explaining their leadership aspirations in diplomacy and international affairs. For questions about the application process, contact us at ydf@gdforum.org
Live Info Sessions Series
Join us for a series of live webinars designed to introduce you to the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF) experience. Whether you're exploring a future in international relations, diplomacy, or global leadership, this is your opportunity to gain first-hand insights and have your questions answered.
14th May -2pm
10th June - 2pm
29th -July - 2pm
Registered Charity No. 1149226
Companies House No. 07566163
4.9/5 Google Rating
2,500+ Alumni · 175 Countries
From the Forum Floor
This is what it actually looks like
Registered Charity No. 1149226
Companies House No. 07566163
4.9/5 Google Rating
2,500+ Alumni · 175 Countries
Where are they now? — Alumni stories
Our alumni don't just attend YDF. They go on to shape it.
Hear the stories of some of our alumni. Read their stories here
25 editions
2,500+ Alumni
4.9/5 Rating
175 Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Global Diplomatic Forum is a registered UK charity (No. 1149226) and registered on Companies House (No. 07566163) — both of which are publicly searchable databases you can verify independently. We have held 24 editions of the Young Diplomats Forum across more than a dozen countries since our founding, and have a 4.9/5 rating on Google Reviews from past delegates. We understand that there are organisations in this space that don't deliver — we'd encourage you to do your research, read our reviews, and reach out to us directly with any questions before making any payment.
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Past editions have taken place in Brussels, London, Malaysia, the USA, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, and Mexico, among others. Institutional partners have included NATO, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Houses of Parliament.
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Yes. The institutional visits listed are confirmed elements of the programme, not aspirational. These are not public tours; they are organised specifically for YDF delegates and are not accessible to individuals. Past delegates frequently cite these visits as the highlight of their week.
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The forum is open to aspiring diplomats and international affairs professionals under the age of 30. You do not need prior diplomatic experience — the programme is designed to develop that. What matters is a genuine interest in diplomacy and global affairs, and a commitment to engaging fully with the week. The programme is conducted entirely in English.
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Delegates come from across the world — typically 90+ countries are represented across the cohort. You'll be in the room with university students, early-career professionals, and those already working in government, civil society, and international organisations. All nationalities are welcome.
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The fee covers the full five-day programme including all sessions, workshops, and institutional visits; daily lunches and refreshment breaks; all in-programme transport; cultural and networking activities; and your GDF certificate of completion. It does not include flights or accommodation, which delegates arrange independently.
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We accept payment by credit or debit card via our secure online payment page, or by bank transfer. Card payments are processed through a secure payment provider and carry standard consumer protections. If you have any concerns about the payment process, email us at ydf@gdforum.org before paying — we're happy to answer questions or speak with you directly.
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Yes. We offer monthly instalments to make the fee more manageable. If you'd like to pay this way, simply reply to your acceptance email or contact us at ydf@gdforum.org and we'll arrange this for you.
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There is no fixed payment deadline, but places are allocated on a rolling basis as payments are received. If you have been accepted and are considering attending, we'd encourage you to confirm your place as soon as you're ready - we cannot hold places indefinitely.
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Our full terms and conditions, including the cancellation and refund policy, are available at gdforum.org/terms-and-conditions. If you have specific questions about your circumstances, please contact us at ydf@gdforum.org.
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Submit your current CV and a personal statement explaining your interest in diplomacy and international affairs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If accepted, you'll receive a formal offer by email. Payment confirms and secures your place.
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Yes. Applications are reviewed individually — we look for genuine motivation, relevant interests or experience, and the potential to contribute to and benefit from the programme. Not all applicants are accepted.
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We aim to respond to all applications within a few working days. If you haven't heard back after a week, feel free to follow up at ydf@gdforum.org.
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No — accommodation is arranged and paid for by delegates independently. Once accepted, we can share recommended options near the venue to make this easier.
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Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the host country. It is your responsibility to check and arrange any visa required. We are happy to provide an official letter of acceptance to support a visa application — just request one after you've been accepted.
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Yes, all sessions, workshops, and communications are conducted entirely in English.