The Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026 is an international summit organized by the Center for Strategy & Cultural Diplomacy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The summit will take place from August 13–16, 2026, and is designed for emerging youth leaders, university students, and young professionals aged 16–40. The official page confirms fully funded scholarships, partially funded scholarships, and self-financed participation options.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026
Category: International Summit
Host: Center for Strategy & Cultural Diplomacy
Country: Indonesia
Location: Jakarta
Programme Dates: August 13–16, 2026
Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
Funding Status: Fully funded scholarships, partially funded scholarships, and self-financed options
Eligible Applicants: Emerging youth leaders, university students, and young professionals aged 16–40
About the Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026
The Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026 brings together emerging youth leaders, policymakers, academics, and professionals for dialogue on diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation.
The Jakarta edition follows previous YPDS editions in Baku, Istanbul, and Tashkent. The official page presents Jakarta as a diplomatic and governance hub in Southeast Asia, with embassies, policy institutions, and academic centres that support discussions on public diplomacy and global engagement.
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Programme Purpose and Objectives
The summit aims to help young participants strengthen diplomatic awareness, leadership capacity, and practical engagement with global issues.
The core objectives include:
• Developing strategic thinking in international affairs, regional security, and economic strategies
• Promoting cultural engagement and cross-cultural understanding
• Encouraging policy innovation on regional and global challenges
• Strengthening networks with international institutions, think tanks, and embassies based in Jakarta
• Building critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills through practical simulations
Thematic Focus
The summit focuses on public diplomacy, peace, strategic communication, and international policy. The official page lists six thematic areas for the Jakarta edition.
• Public Diplomacy in the 21st Century
• Asia and the Mediterranean
• Peace by Peaceful Means
• Soft, Smart, and Hard Power
• Strategic Communication
• Grand Strategy vs Economic Strategy
These themes position the programme around cultural diplomacy, governance, conflict resolution, regional cooperation, advocacy, and strategic decision-making.
Programme Format and Schedule
YPDS Jakarta 2026 is structured as a four-day summit. The programme combines keynote speeches, interactive sessions, workshops, policy labs, simulations, networking, and closing presentations.
The official schedule includes:
• August 13, 2026: Opening and strategy modules, keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and networking reception
• August 14, 2026: Workshops on soft power, diplomacy simulations, conflict resolution activities, and panel discussions
• August 15, 2026: Meetings with institutions, think tanks, cultural diplomacy labs, and policy design workshops
• August 16, 2026: Closing ceremony, youth policy recommendations, networking, and farewells
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Funding and Participation Options
The official page lists multiple participation routes, including scholarship access, self-financed summit participation, and a summit pass.
The scholarship section confirms the following included items:
✓ CSCD invitation letter
✓ Meals during the forum
✓ Air ticket and travel support
✓ Accommodation for 3 nights
✓ Access to all workshops
✓ Field visits and mentorship
✓ Certificate of participation
✓ Virtual course qualification
The official FAQ also states that 10 fully funded scholarships and 20 partially funded scholarships are available. Fully funded scholarship recipients receive accommodation during the forum, reception dinner and two international meals per day, full forum access and participation, local transportation, certificate of participation, and airfare support ranging from USD 300 to USD 1,000 based on the participant’s country of residence and actual travel costs.
The partially funded scholarship provides a 50% reduction in the self-financed participation fee.
Who Can Apply?
The summit is open to emerging youth leaders, university students, and young professionals.
Applicants must meet the following confirmed criteria:
• Applicants must be between 16 and 40 years old.
• Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need prior formal diplomatic experience.
• Applicants are encouraged to have a demonstrated interest in international relations or global affairs.
The official page states that target participants represent regions from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
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Scholarship Selection Basis
The official FAQ states that scholarships are competitive and awarded according to several review factors.
Scholarship awards are based on:
• Academic excellence
• Leadership experience
• Impact in community or professional work
• Motivation and alignment with YPDS goals
Additional financial support may be available case by case, with awards determined according to academic and professional merit, financial need, leadership potential, overall application strength, and Scholarship Committee review and approval.
Participant Experience
The summit is designed as a semi-academic and experiential learning programme. Participants gain theoretical insights and practical exposure to diplomacy through discussions, workshops, simulations, and networking.
Participants will:
✓ Gain exposure to international diplomacy practices from in-service public diplomats
✓ Build a global professional network
✓ Enhance leadership and communication skills
✓ Engage with policymakers and experts
✓ Receive an official certificate of participation after successfully attending the summit and sessions
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Application Deadline
The registration deadline for the Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026 is July 5, 2026.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
