Deadline:
July 26, 2026
Program Starts: August 24, 2026
Program Ends: August 28, 2026
Location(s)
China
Beijing
Overview
Details
The Young Diplomats Forum Beijing is an immersive 5-day programme for young and aspiring diplomats under the age of 30. Hosted in one of the world's most consequential capitals, this edition offers unparalleled access to China's diplomatic institutions, global governance bodies, and technology sector, giving delegates a front-row seat to the forces reshaping international relations.
The programme focuses on developing a new generation of diplomatic leaders equipped to navigate a multipolar world. Delegates will engage with former Chinese diplomats, international affairs experts, and peers from across the globe through expert-led sessions, institutional briefings, policy workshops, and cultural visits.
Beijing is not just a venue, it is the subject. From the Forbidden City to the ByteDance headquarters, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the 798 Art District, every day of the programme places delegates inside the institutions and spaces that define China's role in the 21st century.
Highlights of the week
- Visit to the Great Wall of China
- Exclusive briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on China's foreign policy
- Access to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretariat — regional security, counter-terrorism and economic collaboration across Eurasia
- Visit to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on infrastructure financing and economic diplomacy in Asia
- Briefing at the Confucius Institute Headquarters on cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange
- A session at ByteDance Headquarters on technology, AI development and the geopolitics of global content platforms
- Expert-led sessions on China and the Shifting World Order, Climate Diplomacy, Trade and Economic Statecraft, and Technology as Foreign Policy
- Deep dives into critical issues including: China's Role in Global Governance · AI and the Future of Diplomacy · Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Century · Tariffs, Sanctions and Economic Statecraft · UN Reform · Sovereign Funds and Diplomacy
- Policy Development Workshop: collaborative group exercise to draft and present a real policy brief to the Forum
- Cultural visits to the Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the 798 Art District
- Exceptional networking with fellow participants shaping the future of diplomacy
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility: Under 30
Dates
Deadline: July 26, 2026
Program starts:
August 24, 2026
Program ends:
August 28, 2026
Program Starts: August 24, 2026
Program Ends: August 28, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Participation Fees
The delegate fees includes the programme, lunches, refreshment breaks, travel during the programmes, all activities and accommodation*. The fee does not include flights. The fees are £1,395 Delegates are able to pay in monthly instalments.
For those who do not need accommodation, the fees are £1,195
20% Fee Waiver Scholarship for selected delegates who submit a video statement demonstrating:
- Their leadership aspirations, Where do they want to lead?
- How the YDF will contribute to those goals, What specific skills or networks do they need?
- What value they will add to the programme, What unique perspective or commitment will they bring?
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
