London, United Kingdom – May 8, 2025 — As Washington, D.C. prepares to host the 21st edition of the Young Diplomats Forum this July, the energy surrounding the event is unmistakable. Bringing together emerging leaders from across the globe, the forum has become a launchpad for aspiring diplomats navigating today’s evolving global landscape. In an exclusive interview with Diplomatic Watch, Shy Rabbani, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the Global Diplomatic Forum, opens up about what makes this year’s gathering more dynamic than ever- from deeper institutional collaborations to high-impact workshops and real-world diplomatic engagements.
With a fresh partnership with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and an agenda tackling crisis management, digital diplomacy, and global leadership, the 2025 forum promises to equip young diplomats with the tools, insights, and networks needed to lead with confidence. Rabbani also highlights how inclusion, innovation, and resilience remain at the heart of the forum’s mission, thereby, creating a hands-on experience that leaves a lasting mark on the careers of its participants.
The Young Diplomats Forum is now in its 21st edition and will take place in Washington, D.C. this July. What makes this year’s forum unique compared to previous editions?
We’re incredibly excited for this year’s Young Diplomats Forum — it’s our 21st edition, and what better place to host it than Washington, D.C., the heart of global diplomacy! What makes this edition special is the level of engagement we’ve built with institutions and diplomats. There’s a real buzz around the event this year — not only are we coming to one of the world’s most influential capitals, but we’re also introducing some new interactive sessions, deeper embassy dialogues, and high-level guest speakers. It’s shaping up to be our most dynamic forum yet.
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a partner for the 2025 forum. How does this collaboration enhance the experience for participants?
Partnering with SAIS brings an amazing layer of depth to the program. SAIS is one of the world’s leading institutions in international affairs, and its involvement means our delegates will benefit from top-tier academic insight, practical knowledge, and an inspiring learning environment. It also opens the door to incredible networking opportunities. We’re thrilled to be working with such a prestigious partner, and we know our participants will come away with knowledge and connections that stay with them long after the forum ends.
The program features workshops on negotiation, crisis management, and public diplomacy, as well as visits to embassies and Capitol Hill. Which aspects of the agenda do you believe will have the greatest impact on young diplomats attending this year?
Honestly, the combination makes the forum powerful — the sessions provide practical tools, while the visits give delegates a front-row seat to how diplomacy operates in real life. That said, I think the negotiation sessions are especially impactful. They push participants out of their comfort zones and help them build the kind of confidence and agility that diplomacy demands. And of course, engaging with diplomats in their embassies — that’s an unforgettable experience that makes global affairs feel very real, very fast.
The forum brings together emerging leaders from around the globe. How do you ensure diversity and inclusion among participants, and why is this global perspective essential for the forum’s mission?
Diversity isn’t just a value for us — it’s the foundation of everything we do. We make sure that every cohort reflects a wide range of geographies, backgrounds, and perspectives. We actively seek participants from underrepresented regions. Our mission is to prepare young leaders for a truly interconnected world — and the best way to do that is by learning with one another, across borders and experiences. That global mix is what creates the magic of the Young Diplomats Forum.
Alumni of the Young Diplomats Forum have gone on to take roles in governments and international organizations worldwide. Can you share a story or example of an alumnus who has made a remarkable contribution to diplomacy or global affairs?
We’ve been so proud to watch many of our alumni step into truly impactful roles. One of our early participants is now representing their country at the UN and has been part of major international negotiations. Another launched a regional youth diplomacy initiative in Latin America that now works with multilateral organizations and has grown far beyond what we all imagined. These stories are deeply meaningful — they show that what begins as a one-week experience can be the spark for a lifelong journey of global impact.
The Global Diplomatic Forum emphasizes innovation in diplomacy, such as digital diplomacy and engagement with multiple stakeholders. How do these themes feature in the forum’s workshops and discussions this year?
Diplomacy is evolving fast — and our forum reflects that. This year, we’re focusing on how young diplomats can harness digital platforms, engage with influencers, and build cross-sector coalitions. We’ll explore how AI and data are transforming diplomacy and how public trust is built (or lost) in the digital age. Our sessions go beyond theory — we want participants to walk away feeling ready to lead with confidence and creativity in today’s complex diplomatic environment.
What challenges do you see young diplomats facing today, and how does the forum equip them with the skills and mindset to navigate these challenges?
It’s a tough landscape — geopolitics are shifting, misinformation is rampant, and the need for agile, values-driven leadership has never been greater. What we aim to do at the forum is create a safe space to build resilience, sharpen judgment, and learn through doing. We focus on practical skills, yes — but also on mindset. Participants leave with greater emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and a renewed sense of purpose. That’s what sets our forum apart.
The Global Diplomatic Forum offers programs in multiple languages and promotes accessibility. How do you see the forum’s reach expanding in the coming years, especially with new courses and events?
We’re growing — and that’s really exciting. We’ve launched multilingual programs and online platforms to ensure that location and language aren’t barriers to participation. Over the next few years, we’re planning new regional forums, hybrid programs, and tech-powered learning experiences. Our goal is to make high-quality diplomatic training accessible to every corner of the world. We believe talent is everywhere — and we want to make sure opportunity is too.
Diplomatic Watch is proud to partner with the Young Diplomats Forum as a media partner for this edition. What are your thoughts on this partnership, and how do you see it contributing to the forum’s goals?
We’re absolutely delighted to have Diplomatic Watch as our media partner! You bring visibility, credibility, and an incredible network to the table. Through this partnership, we can share the energy and stories of our participants with a wider audience — inspiring more young people to step into leadership and diplomacy. It’s partnerships like these that help the forum grow not just in size, but in global impact.
For aspiring diplomats considering applying, what advice would you offer to help them make the most of their experience at the Young Diplomats Forum?
Jump in with both feet! Be present, be curious, and don’t be afraid to share your voice. The more you engage, the more rewarding the experience becomes. This isn’t just about learning from speakers — it’s about learning from each other. You’ll build friendships and networks that can last a lifetime. So come with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged. We can’t wait to welcome you.
