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.
Highlights of the Week
Keynote by the Dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS
Gain strategic insight from James B. Steinberg, Dean of SAIS and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State (2009–2011), as he addresses global diplomacy in an era of transformation.
Inside the U.S. Department of State
Receive a high-level briefing on U.S. foreign policy priorities directly from senior State Department officials, followed by Q&A — an unparalleled look into America’s global strategy.
Briefings at the World Bank & IMF Headquarters
Discover how global economic diplomacy is shaped through policy, cooperation, and surveillance in exclusive sessions at the World Bank and IMF, led by senior experts.
Citizen Diplomacy in Action
Participate in an interactive workshop by Global Ties U.S., exploring how citizen diplomacy strengthens international relations beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
US-ASEAN Business Council Session
Understand regional strategy, trade diplomacy, and U.S.-Asia economic engagement in a dedicated session with the US-ASEAN Business Council.
Technology & Diplomacy: New Power Players
Examine how AI, social media, and emerging tech are reshaping diplomacy with experts and diplomats driving the future of digital geopolitics.
Daily Policy Development Workshops
Collaborate with international peers to co-develop innovative policy proposals on AI and diplomacy, climate change, UN reforms, global trade, and more — culminating in formal presentations
Elite Networking Receptions
Expand your professional network through exclusive receptions hosted by Schwarzman Scholars Alumni, the Embassy of Morocco, and other key partners (TBC).
New World Order Expert Dialogue
Debate shifting global alliances and diplomatic frameworks with high-level experts in a dynamic session focused on the emerging global order.
Washington Experience: Institutional Visits & Culture
Explore the capital through visits to institutions like the Library of Congress, British Embassy (TBC), and more — enriched with receptions, city tours, and cultural moments.
14th - 18th July 2025
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. Delegates are also able to pay in 2 instalments.
Approximately $1,720 in US Dollars.
Please note that ACCOMODATION IS NOT PROVIDED
Accommodation and Travel Guide
Hear From Past Delegates
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 before the 15th of June and join us for a life-changing week where diplomacy, education, and opportunity converge!
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
In Partnership with
Applications are now open
Complete the Application Form
Submit your application via the online form here.Rolling Selection
We review applications on a rolling basis. You will hear back within 3–10 working days regarding the outcome.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Young Diplomats Forum Washington DC is the 15th of June 2025.
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!”