Future Diplomats programme

The Future Diplomats Programme will take place from Sunday 6th September to Friday 11 September.

This week-long experience is designed to equip young people with the confidence, insight and networks needed to pursue careers in diplomacy and international peacebuilding. We are committed to widening access and breaking down barriers, particularly for those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Applications will open soon.

Apply now
Diverse group of people sitting in a circle in a bright room, holding and discussing papers.
Handwritten text on a pink background reading, 'How do you cope with fear or anger?'
The Future Diplomats Programme is a new youth leadership programme for ambitious
students hoping to equip themselves with key skills in diplomacy and international relations.
The programme aims to empower young people to pursue careers in these fields through
building an understanding of career pathways and advancing political literacy whilst also
expanding access to diplomacy and making the field more inclusive.

Any young University student or aspiring student is welcome to apply, regardless of background, political beliefs, or prior knowledge or experience.
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Throughout the programme, participants will engage in trips, speaking events, and
workshops with diplomats and other leaders in the field of international peacebuilding. With
the experience of these academics, diplomats and SNS staff, this programme will give
participants the confidence, knowledge and networks necessary to thrive as an ethical,
resilient and globally-minded leader.

When is it? 6th - 11th of September, 2026
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Where is it? -London, UK
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Who is it for? This programme is targeted towards current and aspiring university students
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Why should I apply to this programme? The Future Diplomats Programme uniquely fills in
gaps in the leadership ecosystem for young people. This programme prepares you for a
career in international relations, diplomacy and peacebuilding by providing curated
leadership development and structured learning. These aspects will give you an advantage
in navigating future career networks in the civil service and beyond. Face-to-face dialogue
with other driven and ambitious young people will also give you a deep connection and
understanding that cannot be found elsewhere.

What is the aim of this programme? To encourage individuals, especially from
disadvantaged backgrounds, to consider careers in diplomacy and international relations.

What will we be covering during the programme? The Future Diplomats Programme will
give participants a deeper understanding of international relations, diplomacy and career
pathways. We explore the history of diplomacy, including in Israel-Palestine and reflect on
lessons for the future. We will also cover the role of diplomacy in preventing and resolving
conflicts worldwide, and explore faith and interfaith diplomacy as a driver of peace. All of
these components will enable participants to develop practical skills in conflict resolution and
peacebuilding.
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How was this programme designed? This programme was designed with continuous
alumni engagement from previous youth leadership programmes, and will be facilitated by
experienced SNS staff who have delivered many similar youth programmes in the past.

"It has improved my overall understanding of the conflict going on and made me appreciate  that events that occur around the world don’t only consist of what the media shows us.”

Student from Chingford School - London