Young Diplomats Forum

WASHINGTON 2025

The World’s Leading Event for Young Leaders

Welcome to the 21st Edition of the Young Diplomats Forum, taking place in the heart of diplomacy and politics—Washington, D.C.—from July 14th to 18th, 2025! This year, we are thrilled to partner with the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), a global leader in international relations education, making this edition an exceptional opportunity for young diplomats worldwide.

Why the Young Diplomats Forum in Washington, D.C.?

There is no place more fitting than Washington, D.C. to explore the intricacies of international diplomacy. The U.S. capital is a hub of global decision-making and diplomacy, where participants will have access to unique learning experiences, exclusive site visits, and in-depth discussions led by world-class diplomats, policymakers, and experts.

Hosted at Johns Hopkins SAIS: A Perfect Partnership

This year’s Forum will be held at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, the new home of Johns Hopkins SAIS, just steps away from some of the most influential institutions in the world, including Capitol Hill, the White House, and numerous embassies. Partnering with Johns Hopkins SAIS allows us to offer you an experience steeped in rich academic resources and expertise in international studies. Known for its cutting-edge research and impactful alumni network, SAIS is the ideal partner to enrich our program, helping us to deliver a truly transformative experience for our young diplomats.

What to Expect

At the 21st Young Diplomats Forum, participants can look forward to:

  • Immersive Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions: Master the art of negotiation, crisis management, and public diplomacy in engaging workshops led by experts and seasoned diplomats.

  • Access to Washington’s Key Institutions: With exclusive visits to embassies, Capitol Hill, and major international organisations, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of diplomacy and policy-making.

  • Networking on a Global Scale: Connect with aspiring and established diplomats from diverse cultures, laying the foundation for a global network of peers and mentors that will support your career for years to come.

Why Attend?

This is more than an event; it’s a launchpad for your career in international relations. If you aspire to be a leader in diplomacy, this forum will provide the knowledge, connections, and skills needed to navigate the complexities of global affairs. Our participants leave not only with lasting friendships but also with the confidence to make an impact on the world stage.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 21st Young Diplomats Forum at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington, D.C. Spaces are limited, so apply from the 15th of November and join us for a life-changing week where diplomacy, education, and opportunity converge!

14th - 18th July 2025

WASHINGTON D.C

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.

Programme Fees

The fees for the programme is £1,295.

In Partnership with

Applications are now open

Join the ranks of tomorrow's global leaders - the ultimate destination for young and ambitious change-makers

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!”