Young Diplomats Forum

Brussels 2025

1st -5th September 2025

This 22nd   edition  in Brussels follows a powerful gathering in Washington, D.C. this July and invites participants to explore today’s most pressing global challenges through high-level engagement with EU institutions, NATO, and leading policy experts.

This is not a simulation, it’s a real-world platform for diplomatic leadership.

Highlights of the Forum include:

  • Briefings at the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, and NATO Headquarters

  • Session With Flanders Government and Flemish Parliaments on Diplomacy of Regions 

  • A session and tour at the Belgium Federal Parliament 

  • Debate with Ambassadors on Diplomacy of the 21st Century 

  • Dialogue with ambassadors, digital diplomacy experts, and EU policymakers

  • Immersive skills sessions in negotiation, policy development, and strategic diplomacy

  • Exceptional networking with fellow change makers shaping the future of diplomacy

    Deep dives into critical issues such as:

  • EU-US trade

  • NATO’s 5% defence spending commitment

  • AI and the future of diplomacy

  • EU-China relations and global realignment

Previous editions took place in Ankara, Mexico, London, Athens, Kuala Lumpa, Zagreb, Sophia , Brussels, Washington DC and online ( Washington, Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, London, Brasilia)

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

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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