Young Diplomats Forum

Brussels 2026

What to Expect

The five-day programme combines high-level institutional briefings, expert-led sessions, and immersive skills training, all within one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities.

Institutional Access

  • Briefings at the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union

  • A visit to NATO Headquarters

  • A session and guided tour at the Belgian Federal Parliament

  • A dedicated session with the Flanders Government and Flemish Parliament on the Diplomacy of Regions

The 24th Edition of the Young Diplomats Forum comes to Brussels, the political heart of Europe.

After 23 editions across global capitals ; including Brussels, London, and Washington D.C. in 2025, the Young Diplomats Forum is a five-day programme combining high-level institutional briefings, expert-led sessions, and immersive diplomatic skills training for emerging leaders under 35.

This edition invites students, recent graduates, and young professionals in international affairs to engage directly with the institutions, the debates, and the decision-makers shaping our world.

This is not a simulation. This is diplomacy in practice.

Why Brussels?

Brussels is home to the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and NATO Headquarters — making it one of the most diplomatically significant cities on the planet. For anyone serious about a career in international affairs, there is no better classroom.

YDF Brussels gives participants unparalleled access to these institutions and the people inside them, at a moment when the questions they grapple with — on trade, defence, AI, and global realignment — have never been more consequential.

Success of our Alumni 

Building upon the success of our 22nd 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.

Fees

The cost of participation is £995. Please note that this does not include accommodation. Places are limited, so please apply and prepare in advance. Please see our terms and conditions. The fees include the programme, lunches during each day and travel during the week.

World’s Leading Event For Young and Aspiring Leaders

24th Edition: 13th-17th July

Application Form

Deadline for applications 15th June 2026

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