19th Young Diplomats Forum (YDF) Brussels 2024

Are you ready to become a part of the next generation of global leaders? Look no further than the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), an intensive week-long program designed to enhance and develop the skills of aspiring diplomats. With practical sessions, workshops, policy exercises, and institutional visits led by world-renowned experts, YDF is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools to engage with key stakeholders at a crucial time in your career.

Join a community of bright and accomplished future leaders, and broaden your connections to influence global leaders at the 17th edition of YDF, where young and aspiring diplomats from all around the world come together to tackle the latest issues in international affairs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your diplomatic career to the next level!

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

Top Reasons to Attend:

1. Gain exposure to global affairs and learn about topics such as diplomacy, human rights, conflict resolution, and international development

2. Develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives on global issues

3. Engage with ambassadors, government officials, media experts, and more, as you delve into the latest issues in global affairs

4. Have the opportunity to form lasting friendships with fellow aspiring leaders from around the world, all while exploring the culture and institutions of the host country

5. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for leadership and success in today's complex and interconnected world

6. Participate in workshops, group activities, and interactive sessions that help develop leadership skills and facilitate personal growth

7. Build cultural awareness and appreciation through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures

8. Gain a unique and memorable experience that can enhance your personal and professional development for years to come

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

Applications Now Open

To apply for this year’s Young Diplomats Forum in Brussels, you need to send through a personal statement (no more than 500 words) that tells us about your leadership ambitions. Also send through your latest CV. Send through to ydf@gdforum.org.

Applications Process

Once you have sent through your statement and CV, you will be contacted within 14 days to inform you if you have been successful in your application.