Young Diplomats Forum
London 2025
The World’s Leading Event for Young Leaders
Are you ready to become a part of the next generation of global leaders? The Young Diplomats Forum (YDF), an intensive week-long program designed to enhance and develop the skills of aspiring global leaders. 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.
Why the Young Diplomats Forum in London?
London has long been a global capital for diplomacy, politics, and international engagement. As home to one of the world’s most influential foreign services and a vibrant diplomatic community representing over 160 countries, the city offers unmatched access to international institutions, embassies, think tanks, and policy leaders.
The Young Diplomats Forum in London places you at the centre of one of the most dynamic diplomatic ecosystems in the world. Through high-level discussions at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, sessions at Parliament, and exchanges with former ambassadors, government advisers, and thought leaders, delegates are immersed in the real practice of diplomacy.
YDF London explores diplomacy not just as a profession, but as a tool for navigating complex global challenges — from international security to climate negotiations, digital policy, and global governance. The forum also provides rich cultural and professional networking experiences, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most diverse and iconic cities.
If you are ready to lead, influence, and connect on the world stage, there’s no better launchpad than London.
Success of our Alumni
Building upon the success of our 20th 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
22nd-26th September 2025
23rd Edition
Highlights of the Week
Diplomacy in the 21st Century with Ambassador and leading experts at the Global Diplomats Forum
AI and Digital Diplomacy in collaboration with Oxford University
A New World Order and ASEAN Place in the World Session with Ambassadors and Leading Experts
China’s Global engagement in the world Session at the Chinese Embassy in London
Policy development workshop
U.K Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the British Council
A session with the Flemish Government Representation In London On Regional Solutions for Global Challenges
Cultural Tour of Greenwich
Team Building and Fun activities: Climbing up the O2, Crossing the Thames in Cable Car, Adventure Golf
Closing Ceremony at the House of Lords
Tour Visit to the House of Commons and Buckingham Palace
Programme Fees
The fees for the programme is £995. Delegates are also able to pay in instalments. Please note that accommodation and flights are not included in the fee.
Apply Here
Hear from past delegates
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Junior diplomats and early-career civil servants (0–5 years of experience)
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
Join the ranks of tomorrow's global leaders - the ultimate destination for young and ambitious change-makers
Cultural Events During the Week
Climb up the 02
VIP Tour of the Houses of Parliament
Cable Car Across the River Thames
Tour of Buckingham Palace
National Liberal Club
Supporters and Partners
Golf
Tour of Greenwich
Previous Editions
Previous editions took place in Ankara (September 2013), Mexico (June 2014), London ( September 2014), Greece ( June 2015), Croatia ( September 2016) and Latvia ( September 2017) and online ( Washington, Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, London, Brasilia)
Niamh Callinan
“Young Diplomats Forum was a fantastic experience, one that I am grateful for being able to participate in. As a very young professional, I worked incredibly hard but struggled to find a welcoming space in international affairs due to the minimal professional experience I possessed at the time. YDF presented an amazing opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and learn from those around me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way YDF was structured; with a combination of interactive sessions, cultural learning experiences, networking and project work; it really felt like I was participating in a Diplomatic programme. I have made life-long connections with other participants who I shared this experience with.
I think participating in YDF has allowed me to rapidly progress in my professional and volunteer work. I highly recommend YDF to any young person who is interested in pursuing a career in the realm of international affairs and relations. .”
Brock Mays
Attending the Young Diplomats Forum in 2017 (Riga, Latvia) and 2018 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) was a life-changing and crucial part of my time as a student. It gave me the opportunity to meet, collaborate, and learn with so many intelligent and talented students and experts from around the world. As it is such a multicultural group, I enjoyed being able to learn from their individual experiences and unique worldviews, particularly in the group presentations. Several of the people I met are now lifelong friends. I was surprised and pleased at how much new information about diplomacy and international relations I was able to learn during the experience. I consider my time in Latvia and Malaysia as important as many of my graduate-level courses in university. I wholeheartedly recommend to any student who has the opportunity to attend YDF!”