Young Diplomats Fourm

Beijing
2026

September 2026

A blue calendar with six rows and five columns, with a checkmark on the top right corner.
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September 2026  ·  Dates to be confirmed

Beijing - People’s Republic of China

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

A digital infographic for the 25th edition of a forum at a glance, featuring Asia-Pacific premiere, 2000 alumni worldwide, 12 years of global youth diplomacy, and over 100 countries represented.

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.

Screenshot of a webpage with four sections titled High-Level Institutional Access, A Truly Global Cohort, Practical Diplomatic Training, and CPIFA Partnership, each describing aspects of diplomatic and international relations training.

24 editions. One community.

  • A group of diverse women and one man smiling and gathered closely together indoors, with a fireplace and paintings on the wall in the background.
  • Group of diverse young professionals and students standing on the steps outside a historic building, smiling for the photo.
  • A large group of diverse women and men posing in a formal setting, holding certificates, likely at a graduation or award ceremony in a well-lit, ornate room with columns and a fireplace.
  • Group of diverse people at a conference posing for a photo in front of Chinese flags and a traditional landscape painting of mountains.
  • A speaker stands in front of an audience during a conference or seminar in a bright, modern room with large windows, a backdrop with a logo, and several seated attendees listening attentively.
  • Panel discussion at the Global Diplomatic Forum in London on September 24, 2025, with four people seated on stage in front of a backdrop with the forum's logo, and a large screen above displaying the event's theme, 'Know the World to Change the World.'
  • Two women engaged in conversation at a professional event or conference, wearing badges and lanyards, with other attendees in the background.

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.

A digital infographic with six sections, each numbered from 01 to 06, discussing China’s foreign policy architecture, Belt & Road Initiative, economic statecraft, Indo-Pacific security, technology and AI governance, and climate diplomacy.

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.


Details of the 25th Young Diplomats Forum in Beijing, China, scheduled for September 2026, lasting 5 days, in English with interpretation, with a GDF & CPIFA joint certificate.
Register your interest

25th Edition

World's Leading Event

25th Edition World's Leading Event

In Their Own Words

What past delegates say about YDF

Hear directly from alumni and partners who have experienced the Young Diplomats Forum first-hand.

Quote from Tristan Shomaker about participation and responsibility, with his name, title, and affiliation at NATO Youth Summit 25, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Text on a blue background about Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe, mentioning its role as an institutional partner, bringing together talented young professionals for training, dialogue, and networking, with details about the partner's LinkedIn followers.
Quote from Lina Adarrab, an International Affairs Student at The George Washington University, about her inspiring experience as a Young Delegate engaging with digital power, cybersecurity, and interdependence themes.

“I’m sure my life would look very different if it weren’t for the GDF”

Sarah Stearne

Quote from Anna Sofia Alemany Gilleland about attending the Young Diplomats Forum in Washington, D.C., discussing foreign policy and international organizations, with her name and academic details at the bottom.

“Attending YDF 2019 was always career-changing for me. Ignited a passion in me and I owe my thank to you for leading this initiative”

Yahaya Alphonse