The deadline to apply for the event is July 15th, 2026.
Event Overview
25 Sep –
27 Sep 2026
|
Paris, France
Fully Funded Global Youth Diplomacy Forum- Paris Edition 2026
The Global Youth Diplomacy Forum-Paris Edition 2026 is an international platform designed to engage young individuals in the study and practice of diplomacy, policy-making and global governance. The forum offers a structured experience where participants will explore diplomacy across academic, practical and professional dimensions. Through interactive sessions, simulations and discussions, participants will gain insight into how international decision-making operates in real-world contexts. The program will also enable direct engagement with diplomats, policy advisors and practitioners. In addition, it will provide opportunities to build meaningful professional networks with like-minded individuals. An initiative that connects youth with the realities and pathways of modern diplomacy.
Themes & Objectives
Understanding the Practice of Diplomacy
Exploring how diplomacy functions beyond theory, with a focus on negotiation, representation, and decision-making within real-world international contexts
Building Global Diplomacy Networks
Creating opportunities for participants to connect with diplomats and like-minded individuals, forming lasting networks within international diplomacy and policy spaces
Exploring Global Issues Through Policy
Examining key international challenges and understanding how they are addressed through policy, dialogue, negotiation, and decision-making processes globally
What to Expect
Fully Funded Opportunities
Access merit-based funding support to participate in this global forum experience.
Interaction with Diplomats
Participate in discussions with diplomats and practitioners to understand real-world diplomatic practice.
Global Networking
Connect with international practitioners, professionals, and mentors through structured and informal engagements.
Certification
Receive an official certificate recognizing your participation and engagement in the forum.
Who Should Apply & Eligibility
Students & Graduates
Interested in diplomacy, policy-making, international relations, and global governance.
Young Professionals & Social Leaders
Early-career professionals, activists, and community leaders from any academic background.
Global Citizens (All Nationalities Welcome)
Individuals from any country passionate about community building, leadership, and sustainable development.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 16 and 35 years old.
How to Apply
Following a simple three-step process to secure your spot in our upcoming event. Make sure to apply before the deadline!
Begin ApplicationFill Out the Application Form
Complete the online application form with accurate personal details and relevant academic or professional background information.
Application Reviewed by Selection Board
Our selection board carefully reviews each application based on eligibility criteria, motivation, and overall alignment with the forum.
Receive Invitation Letter
Selected applicants will receive an official invitation letter via email with detailed instructions regarding participation and next steps.
Participation Categories
Funded Categories
Global Youth Diplomacy Forum-Paris Edition 2026
Fully Funded Category
Benefits Include:
- 📜 Certification
- 🎓 30 Fully Funded Seats
- ✈️ Round-Trip Air Ticket
- 🏨 Shared Accommodation
- 💶 Forum Fee Waiver up to €500
- 💳 Application Fee Refundable upon Selection
- 📄 Visa Invitation Letter & Support
- 🍽️ Designated Meals
- 🎤 Speaking Opportunity
- 🎁 Event Merchandise
- 📸 Feature on YDA Media Platforms
- 🎟️ Full Access to Forum Activities
Partially Funded Category
Benefits Include:
- 📜 Certification
- 🎓 40 Partially Funded Seats
- 🏨 Shared Accommodation
- 💶 Forum Fee Waiver up to €500
- 💳 Application Fee Refundable upon Selection
- 📄 Visa Invitation Letter & Support
- 🍽️ Designated Meals
- 🎤 Speaking Opportunity
- 🎁 Event Merchandise
- 📸 Feature on YDA Media Platforms
- 🎟️ Full Access to Forum Activities
Direct Forum Access
Benefits Include:
- 📜 Certification
- 🎟️ 80 Direct Forum Access Seats
- 💸 Early Bird Scholarship: Save €150 Instantly
- ✅ Skip the Selection Process
- 🎟️ Confirmed Seat in the Forum
- 📄 Visa Invitation Letter & Support
- 🍽️ Designated Meals
- 🎤 Speaking Opportunity
- 🎁 Official Event Merchandise
- 📸 Feature on YDA Media Platforms
- 🌍 Networking with Global Delegates
- 🎟️ Full Forum Access
Virtual Participation
Benefits Include:
- 🌐 50 Virtual Participation Seats
- 💶Early Bird Scholarship: Save €50 Instantly
- 🌐 Access to All Live Sessions
- 📜 Official Digital Certification
- 🏅 Free YDA Ambassador Membership
- 🤝 Access to the YDA Global Network
- 🌍 Connect with International Delegates
- 📸 Feature on YDA Media Platforms
- 🎓 Learning & Networking Opportunities
- 🗣️ Interactive Virtual Engagement Sessions
Selection Criteria
Diplomatic Interest & Orientation
Demonstrated interest in diplomacy, international affairs, and global decision-making processes.
Policy Engagement Potential
Ability to understand, analyze, and contribute to discussions on policy-making and governance frameworks.
Professional & Academic Relevance
Background or ongoing involvement in fields related to international relations, diplomacy, or public policy.
Communication & Representation Skills
Capacity to express ideas clearly and engage in formal discussions within diverse and international settings.
Purpose & Future Direction
Clear intent on how participation will support long-term goals in diplomacy, leadership, or global engagement.
Cross-Cultural Engagement
Willingness to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in inclusive global dialogue.
Topics of Discussion
Understanding Diplomacy in the Contemporary Era
To examine the evolving definitions and practices of diplomacy, including public, digital, and multilateral diplomacy in today’s global landscape.
Youth Inclusion in Policy and Decision-Making
To critically explore the role of youth in shaping policies, addressing barriers to entry, and identifying pathways for meaningful participation in governance.
Digital Diplomacy and Global Influence
To analyze how digital platforms are transforming diplomatic engagement, advocacy, and the ability of youth to influence international narratives and decisions.
Number of Scholarships
30
Fully Funded
40
Partially Funded
80
Direct Forum Access
Past Events
What Our Alumni Say
Hammad Javed
Multimedia Director & Researcher | Cinematography · Marketing · Digital Media | MSc Marketing
Denisa Dima
Member of Chatham House | Pursuing M.A. in Diplomacy & Global Politics, University of Westminster | Graduate IR and Development, University of Westminster
Ani Samadashvili
Risk and Project Management Main Specialist at Ministry of Defence of Georgia
Ezgi Denizel Güven
Psychological Counselor (Phd.) l Professional Trainer l Academician l Tedx Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
Results will be announced on July 15th, 2026. Final confirmation of delegates will be required by July 22, 2026.
Results for all categories will be announced on July 15, 2026.
The registration fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. However, in case of unforeseen situations, applicants must notify the organization at least one month prior to the event with valid supporting evidence. In such cases, the organization may issue a future events voucher equivalent to the amount paid, which can be used for any of our or affiliated partner events within 12 months.
Three payment methods are available in the Fee section. Applicants may choose the option that is most convenient and practical for them.
Since this is a virtual participation format, applicants are required to verify their identity. If a passport is not available, applicants may submit a valid national ID for verification purposes.
There will be up to 50 seats available for the Virtual Participation Category. Placement of applicants into this category is at the discretion of the Youth Diplomatic Academy Selection Committee and is based on the defined selection criteria.
Three payment methods are available in the Fee Section, including payment via Debit/Credit Card and PayPal. Applicants may choose the method that is most practical and convenient for them.
If you are unable to use any of the available payment methods, please contact our team for assistance through the provided email address.
The application processing fee is only €249.
The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances and applies to all defined categories.
In case of visa refusal, applicants may receive a full-value voucher for future events upon submission of valid evidence. The voucher will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be used for any YDA or affiliated entity event.
Direct Forum Access is a self-funded category for applicants who wish to secure their participation without going through the funded selection process or competition. Participants in this category can directly register for the forum and will receive:
Certificate
Meals (2 Lunches)
Event Merchandise
Speaking Opportunities
Free YDA Membership
There will be 80 seats available for the Direct Forum Access Category.
Placement of applicants in this category is at the discretion of the Youth Diplomatic Academy Selection Committee and is based on the applicant’s profile, social experience, and leadership potential. Applications will be reviewed, and if approved, applicants will receive a confirmation email along with the invitation letter and forum agenda.
YDA will only provide an Invitation letter for visa application support and does not guarantee visa to any category of delegates.
Applicants are evaluated through a holistic review process based on applicants’ leadership potential, diplomatic interest, policy engagement, communication and representation skills, cross-cultural engagement, academic or professional relevance, and future vision. The Selection Committee carefully reviews each application and assigns the most suitable participation category accordingly.
September in Paris brings mild, pleasant, and often sunny weather with average temperatures ranging from around 13°C to 24°C (55°F–77°F).
Due to the high volume of applications, we recommend applicants submit an application to the best of their abilities. Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Please contact our team at forum@youthdiplomaticacademy.org, inform them about the issue, and they will guide you regarding alternative secure payment options.
Three methods for the application fees are given in the Fee section. You can pick the most feasible and most practical method for you.
It is highly recommended that all applicants hold a valid passport in order to travel. However, you can apply by attaching your national ID to the passport section and purchasing a passport until the results are announced. Your privacy is our top priority. These details will be safe and secure with the organization.
After selection in the Funded category, delegates are required to participate in the announcement process by allowing their selection posters to be shared on official social media platforms. In addition, they must record an excitement video, which will be uploaded on the organization’s official social channels. Detailed guidelines will be shared by the YDA team with the selected delegates. Additionally, the organization may request participants to engage in community-based activities as part of their contribution to creating positive social impact during the flight ticket reimbursement process.
Applicants selected for the Fully Funded category will receive an official confirmation email outlining their selection status along with a flight reference, including the approved airfare amount based on their country of residence. Delegates will be required to book their flights within the provided budget reference and will be reimbursed after the completion of the program.
If you are not selected for a funded opportunity, you will still have the opportunity to join the forum through the self-funded category. Further details regarding the self-funded category will be shared when the results are announced.
The €22.75 application fee is charged to support the administrative and operational processes involved in reviewing and managing applications for the forum. As a youth-led organization, we do not solely rely on external funding or sponsorships to operate our programs. The fee helps us cover essential operational expenses, including application processing, evaluation, communication, technical systems, outreach, and participant support.
Additionally, the application fee helps ensure serious and committed applicants. Since the funded categories provide significant benefits and financial support opportunities, the minor application fee demonstrates an applicant’s genuine interest and commitment to the program.
The application processing fee for the funded category is €22.75. The fee is refundable only if the applicant is selected in the funded category. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable if the applicant is selected for the self-funded category or is not selected for the program.
There is a total of 70 funded seats, divided into two categories:
30 Fully Funded seats
40 Partially Funded seats
The allocation of applicants into these categories is at the discretion of the Youth Diplomatic Academy Selection Committee and is based on the defined selection criteria, ensuring each applicant meets the required standards.
YDA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States and its IRS issued Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: 41-2807621
Contact Us
Address:
178 Columbus Ave, #237190, New York NY 10023, United States of America Phone: +19295689117
Email: forum@youthdiplomaticacademy.org
Copyright © 2026 | Youth Diplomatic Academy (YDA).
All rights reserved.