Young Diplomats Fourm

Beijing
2026

September 2026

September 2026 · Dates to be confirmed

Beijing - People’s Republic of China

In Partnership with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA)

25th Edition

World's Leading Event

25th Edition World's Leading Event

- ABOUT THE FORUM -

A historic milestone in global diplomatic education

For the first time in its 12-year history, the Young Diplomats Forum comes to Asia, placing emerging leaders at the centre of China's role in 21st-century international affairs.

The Young Diplomats Forum Beijing 2026 marks the 25th edition of one of the world's most respected youth diplomacy programmes. Hosted in partnership with the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), this landmark edition gives participants rare, direct access to diplomatic practitioners, policymakers, and institutions shaping the future of global governance.

Over five immersive days, participants will engage with China's evolving foreign policy posture, from the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation to multilateral institutions, economic statecraft, and the shifting architecture of the international rules-based order.

The forum is deliberately non-ideological: it creates a structured space for rigorous, evidence-based dialogue across perspectives, equipping the next generation of diplomats with the analytical tools and professional networks to navigate an increasingly complex world.

24 editions. One community.

Core Themes

What we will experience together

Six thematic pillars frame the intellectual programme — each chosen for its urgency, complexity, and direct relevance to practising and emerging diplomats.

Who Should Attend

Built for the next generation of international affairs professionals

The Young Diplomats Forum welcomes ambitious early-career professionals and advanced students with a serious commitment to international affairs.

Graduate Students

MA, MPA, MPP, LLM or PhD candidates in international relations, law, public policy, or related fields

Government Officials

Junior and mid-level diplomats, foreign ministry staff, and civil servants working in international portfolios

NGO & IO Professionals

Staff at intergovernmental organisations, international NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy organisations

Private Sector Leaders

Professionals in sectors shaped by geopolitics — finance, energy, technology, law, and consulting

Applications

Secure your place at a historic forum

The Young Diplomats Forum Beijing 2026 will accept a limited cohort to ensure the quality of dialogue and depth of engagement. Places are allocated on a rolling basis — early registration is strongly encouraged.

A GDF and CPIFA joint certificate of participation is awarded to all delegates who complete the full programme. GDF Academy members receive a preferential application pathway.