Young Diplomats Forum
Beijing
Young Diplomats Forum Beijing- 25TH EDITION
23rd–28th August 2026
The Young Diplomats Forum Beijing is an immersive 5-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 Chinese and international diplomats, international affairs experts, and peers from across the globe through expert-led sessions, institutional briefings, policy workshops, and cultural visits.
This cohort will kick off the forum by walking the Great Wall of China, setting an epic tone for a week of high-level diplomacy, networking, and learning. 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 AIIB or the SCO, every day of the programme places delegates inside the institutions and spaces that define China's role in the 21st century and a shifting world order.
Highlights of the week
1. Visit to the Great Wall of China
2.Exclusive briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on China's foreign policy
3.Access to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretariat — regional security, counter-terrorism and economic collaboration across Eurasia
4.Visit to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on infrastructure financing and economic diplomacy in Asia
5. Briefing at the Confucius Institute Headquarters on cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange
6.A session at ByteDance Headquarters on technology, AI development and the geopolitics of global content platforms
7.Expert-led sessions on China and the Shifting World Order, Climate Diplomacy, Trade and Economic Statecraft, and Technology as Foreign Policy
8.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
9.Policy Development Workshop: collaborative group exercise to draft and present a real policy brief to the Forum
10.Cultural visits to the Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the 798 Art District
11.Exceptional networking with fellow participants shaping the future of diplomacy
In partnership with CPIFA. Founded in 1949, 75 years of high-level diplomatic dialogue.
Edition: 25th Edition
Date: 24-28 August 2026
Location: Beijing, China
Application Deadline: 26th July 2026
Fees: £1,395 ( Inclu. Accommodation*)
Eligibility: Under 30
Certificate: GDF Certificate
Our Policy Workshops: Practical Diplomacy in Action
On Day 5, your cross-national team presents a fully developed policy brief to the Forum. Peers from across the globe challenge your logic and recommendations. No judges. No grades. Real work under real pressure.
You write policy, not essays: A 2-3 page brief on AI & Diplomacy, Climate Change, UN Reform, Global Trade & Sovereign Funds
Your team are strangers on Day 1: Cross-cultural consensus under time constraint
You defend it in the room: Live Q&A before an international audience
Alumni call it the most valuable element of the week: Ahead of every institutional visit
Our past 24 editions have taken place across the world, including Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Malaysia, USA, Brussels, Latvia, Mexico, London.
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
Participation Fees
The delegate fees includes the programme, lunches, refreshment breaks, travel during the programmes, all activities and accommodation*. The fee does not include flights. The fees are £1,395 Delegates are able to pay in monthly instalments.
For those who do not need accommodation, the fees are £1,195
20% Fee Waiver Scholarship for selected delegates who submit a video statement demonstrating by the 28th of June.
Their leadership aspirations, Where do they want to lead?
How the YDF will contribute to those goals, What specific skills or networks do they need?
What value they will add to the programme, What unique perspective or commitment will they bring?
Accommodation
*Accommodation will be provided to the delegates from the 23rd of August until the 28th of August. The accommodation will be shared twin rooms. Delegates are able to request single rooms for additional costs. Accommodation is the Peace Hotel, 3 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Beijing, China
Our Reviews
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.
10th June - 2pm
8th -July - 2pm
2,500+ Alumni
4.9 /5 Google Rating
25th Edition
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 Young Diplomats Forum is organised by the Global Diplomatic Forum (GDF), a London-based non-profit organisation and UK registered charity. Since 2012, GDF has delivered programmes that engage diplomats, policymakers, academics and emerging leaders from around the world.
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The Young Diplomats Forum is an intensive international programme that combines institutional visits, policy workshops, diplomatic engagement and professional networking opportunities. The programme brings together young leaders from different countries who share an interest in diplomacy, international affairs and global challenges.
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Each edition reflects the diplomatic, political and cultural environment of its host city. While all editions share the same objective of developing future global leaders, institutional visits, speakers, policy themes and networking opportunities vary from one location to another.
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The programme is open to applicants aged 18 to 30 from all nationalities and academic backgrounds. It is particularly suitable for students, graduates, young professionals and aspiring leaders with an interest in international affairs.
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Applications are assessed based on the application form, CV and personal statement. Selection is based on motivation, leadership potential, interest in international affairs and the contribution applicants can make to the cohort.
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The Young Diplomats Forum receives applications from around the world for a limited number of places. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged.
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Delegates work in small international teams on a policy challenge related to a contemporary global issue. Throughout the week, teams develop recommendations and present their findings at the conclusion of the programme.
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A typical day may include institutional visits, discussions with policymakers or practitioners, policy workshops, networking activities and cultural engagement. The exact schedule varies by edition.
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The participation fee covers programme activities, institutional visits, workshops, networking events, lunches, refreshments and local programme-related transportation where applicable. Details for each edition are provided on the respective programme page.
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Accommodation arrangements vary between editions. Applicants should consult the specific programme page for details regarding what is included in the participation fee.
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A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for selected applicants. Scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria and deadlines are announced on the programme page for each edition.
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Payment plans may be available for accepted participants. Delegates should contact the organising team after acceptance to discuss available options.
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Yes. The programme is conducted in English, and participants should be comfortable engaging in discussions, workshops and professional networking activities in English.
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Participants come from a wide range of academic, professional and cultural backgrounds. Cohorts typically include students, graduates, civil servants, researchers, entrepreneurs and young professionals from many countries.
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The Young Diplomats Forum alumni network includes more than 2,500 participants from over 150 countries. Alumni have pursued careers across diplomacy, government, international organisations, academia, business and civil society.
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The programme provides opportunities to engage with fellow delegates, diplomats, policymakers, academics and practitioners through institutional visits, workshops, receptions and informal networking activities.
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For accepted participants, the organising team can issue confirmation letters that may support visa applications. Visa decisions remain solely the responsibility of the relevant authorities, and participants are responsible for meeting all visa requirements.
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In many cases, yes. Given the diversity of the alumni network, we may be able to connect prospective participants with alumni from their country or region to discuss their experience of the programme.
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Prospective participants can learn more about delegate experiences through video testimonials, alumni stories, Google Reviews and other feedback shared by programme participants.
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Yes. The Global Diplomatic Forum regularly hosts online information sessions before each edition. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask questions directly to the organising team.
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The Young Diplomats Forum is designed for ambitious young leaders who are interested in international affairs, diplomacy, public policy and global cooperation. The programme aims to support participants in developing their understanding of global issues while building meaningful international networks.