Young Diplomats Forum
Brussels 2025
1st -5th September 2025
The Young Diplomats Forum is your gateway to an extraordinary career in international relations and diplomacy. From the 1st-5th of September 2025, join bright and accomplished individuals from around the world in Brussels to engage with key stakeholders, tackle pressing global issues, and gain invaluable insights.
Previous editions took place in Ankara, Mexico, London, Athens, Kuala Lumpa, Zagreb, Sophia , Brussels, Washington DC and online ( Washington, Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, London, Brasilia)
Why the Young Diplomats Forum in Brussels?
Brussels stands at the crossroads of international diplomacy. As the political capital of the European Union and home to NATO, the city hosts over 300 diplomatic missions, EU institutions, and countless international organisations, think tanks, and NGOs.
The Young Diplomats Forum in Brussels offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with the heart of European and multilateral diplomacy. From policy briefings at the European Parliament and Commission to in-depth exchanges with senior officials at Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NATO Headquarters, delegates gain rare access to the people and institutions shaping today’s global agenda.
YDF Brussels is more than a forum — it’s a bridge between emerging leaders and seasoned diplomats, between national interests and global cooperation. Participants will explore the mechanics of foreign policy-making, EU diplomacy, security cooperation, soft power, and digital diplomacy — all within walking distance of the institutions at the centre of these discussions.
If you’re aspiring to shape international affairs, there is no better city — and no better moment — to step into the world of diplomacy.
Success of our Alumni
Building upon the success of our 20th editions of the Young Diplomats Forum held worldwide, we are delighted to witness our alumni assuming pivotal roles in the governments of 175 countries and international organisations such as the United Nations, WTO, EU institutions, NATO, ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, and others.
Partners
World’s Leading Event For Young and Aspiring Leaders
22nd Edition
Programme Fees
The fees for the programme is £995. Delegates are also able to pay in instalments. Please note that accommodation and flights are not included in the fee.
Application
To apply, complete the application form, which includes a personal statement and a current CV. Click below for more information.
The application deadline is: 15th of August 2025.
Hear from past delegates
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Junior diplomats and early-career civil servants (0–5 years of experience)
Under age of 30
Students and recent graduates in international relations, political science, or international law
Professionals transitioning into diplomacy or global policy roles
Practitioners in international affairs–related fields, including development, security, trade, or human rights
Gallery from past YDF Brussels
-Sonia Boddie-Thompson
“ I remain eternally grateful for the exceptional opportunity to participate in this prestigious diplomatic training programme. The Forum was extremely rewarding, as I was able to engage with an outstanding cadre of experienced ambassadors from various countries, Members of Parliament and other distinguished professionals. I also acquired new knowledge and key skills with respect to practising diplomacy and managing International relations in the 21st century. Importantly, I was simultaneously able to expand my global network. As a diplomat now serving in Washington. I can unreservedly say that my participation in the Forum helped to adequately equip me to confidently and effectively execute my duties in one of the world's leading epicentres of diplomacy and global political affairs ”
“Perhaps the best international conference I have ever attended! It was an enlightening experience and through the YDF I have met some of the most brilliant young minds on earth and made what I know will be lifelong connections and friendships”
— Rommel Hill
“Thank you all for making this week one of the most rememberable of my life. The knowledge and personal experience shared by all of you has greatly enhanced my knowledge and I’m truly grateful for that”.
— Roy Campbell
The ultimate destination for young and ambitious change-makers
Diplomacy in the 21st Century ambassadors and leading experts
Parliamentarian Diplomacy with Members of The European Parliament and the Federal Parliament of Belgium
Priorities of Belgium's Foreign Policy with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Session on Belgium's Soft Power and Brussels as the world's Leading Diplomatic Hub
The Future of the EU: A day-long sessions with EU officials and Parliamentarians on EU Foreign Policy, Defence Union and institutional reforms
Visit and a session NATO's role and challenges
The role of think tanks in Foreign Policy
Institutional visits/sessions at the EU Commission, European Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Belgium Parliament and NATO
Policy Development Workshop
Smart Diplomacy and Digital Diplomacy workshop on the case of the European Union with the Chief Executive of the Global Diplomatic Forum
Cultural visits to the House of European History, Museum of the City of Brussels
