Global Youth Diplomacy Forum – Paris Edition 2026

The Global Youth Diplomacy Forum – Paris Edition 2026 is a premier international platform organized by the Youth Diplomatic Academy (YDA), a registered U.S. nonprofit organization. Taking place from September 25 to 27, 2026, in Paris, France, this three-day forum is designed to give young people aged 16–35 a genuine, structured experience in diplomacy, policy-making, and global governance.

Through interactive sessions, simulations, high-level discussions, and direct engagement with sitting ambassadors and policy professionals, participants get a real inside view of how international decision-making works — not from a textbook, but face-to-face with the people who shape it.

With 30 fully funded seats available globally, this is a competitive but accessible opportunity open to young people from every country in the world.

What Is the Youth Diplomatic Academy?

The Youth Diplomatic Academy (YDA) is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting youth with the world of international diplomacy and global governance. YDA has an established and credible track record, having hosted events at:

• Imperial College London (September 2025)
• Cambridge University, UK (August 2025)
• Sydney, Australia (November 2025)
• UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (January 2026)

The Paris Edition 2026 is their most ambitious forum to date, bringing together delegates, diplomats, and policy leaders from across the globe in one of the world's most significant diplomatic capitals.

Forum Themes & Topics of Discussion

The forum's academic agenda is built around three major themes that reflect the most pressing issues in today's international landscape:

1. Understanding Diplomacy in the Contemporary Era

An exploration of how diplomacy has evolved beyond classical state-to-state relations to include public diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and new global actors. Participants will examine what modern diplomatic practice actually looks like and where it is headed.

2. Youth Inclusion in Policy and Decision-Making

A critical look at the structural barriers that prevent young people from entering policy spaces - and the real pathways that exist to break through them. This theme directly addresses youth agency and how forums like this one serve as gateways to influence.

3. Digital Diplomacy and Global Influence

How are social media, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms reshaping international advocacy? This forward-looking theme examines how modern diplomats and activists use digital tools to shift global narratives - and how young people can do the same.

Confirmed Speakers

The 2026 Paris forum features a remarkable lineup of confirmed speakers:

• Mr. Tyler Stitt — Ministerial Advisor to the Minister for Youth, Australia 🇦🇺
• Mr. Joseph Gene Petric — Consulate General of Croatia to Melbourne 🇭🇷
• Mr. Jesus Domingo — Consulate General of the Philippines to Melbourne 🇵🇭
• H.E. Arnoldas Pranckevicius — Ambassador of Lithuania to France 🇱🇹
• H.E. Nacim Tourougui — Minister Counsellor of Morocco to France and Monaco 🇲🇦
• H.E. Fahad Bin Mayouf Alruwaily — Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France 🇸🇦

This is a level of access that even many senior professionals in international relations rarely experience — sitting ambassadors and ministerial advisors in direct dialogue with young delegates.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Be specific about your motivation. Don't write generic answers. Explain exactly why diplomacy matters to you and what has drawn you to this field.
• Reference the forum's themes. Show the selection committee you've done your research by connecting your background to the three discussion themes.
• Highlight real experience. A community project, a debate competition, volunteer work with an NGO, a course in international affairs — concrete examples carry far more weight than general statements.
• Articulate your future vision clearly. The committee explicitly evaluates where you are going and how this forum helps you get there.
• Apply early. The deadline is June 30, but submitting well in advance demonstrates commitment and gives you time to resolve any payment or documentation issues.
• Take your time with the form. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited. Review every section carefully before hitting submit.

This post was published by youthscholarships.info. All details are sourced from the official Youth Diplomatic Academy website. Always verify deadlines and requirements on the official program page before applying.