Young Public Diplomacy
Summit 2026
Location
Ankara, Türkiye
Dates
June 17–20, 2026
The Global Journey
Tracing the footsteps of emerging strategic leaders across the globe.
Baku 2024
The Genesis of Dialogue
Bringing together youth leaders to discuss energy security and Eurasian cultural diplomacy in Azerbaijan.
Istanbul 2024
Crossroads of Diplomacy
Bridging continents and cultures. Exploring Mediterranean geopolitics and cultural synergies.
Tashkent 2025
Expanding Horizons
Expanding our reach to the Silk Road. Focused on regional connectivity and bridging historical divides.
Ankara 2026
Convergence of Power
Our next grand destination. Debate grand strategy and peace alongside international leaders.
Core
Objectives
Our platform empowers the next generation of leaders by cultivating strategic thinking, fostering cultural diplomacy, and providing actionable platforms for global innovation.
Develop Strategic Thinking
Equip youth with the tools to analyze international affairs, regional security, and economic strategies.
Promote Cultural Engagement
Encourage cross-cultural understanding and networking among youth from diverse backgrounds.
Encourage Policy Innovation
Provide platforms for youth to design actionable policy proposals addressing regional and global challenges.
Strengthen Global Networks
Connect participants with international institutions, think tanks, and embassies based in Ankara.
Empower Youth Leadership
Foster critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills through practical simulations.
The Legacy of Diplomacy
Background and Rationale
Following successful editions of the Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) in Baku, Istanbul, and Tashkent, the summit continues to expand as a platform for engaging young leaders in international dialogue and diplomacy.
Ankara, as the capital of Türkiye, serves as a key center of diplomacy, governance, and international cooperation, hosting numerous embassies, policy institutions, and academic centers. Its strategic position bridging Europe and Asia makes it an ideal setting for discussions on public diplomacy and global engagement.
Target Participants
Emerging youth leaders, university students, and young professionals (Ages 16–40)
Representing regions from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Ankara Experience
More than just a forum—an immersion into the heart of Türkiye.
Delegates will experience Ankara not just as tourists, but as active participants in its enduring legacy of statecraft. The forum includes exclusive access to historic sites, guided architectural walks discussing modern governance, and networking events set against the backdrop of iconic Turkish monuments.
- Exclusive venue hosting inside a prominent policy institution.
- Curated cultural excursions including historic Ankara and Anıtkabir.
- Authentic Turkish culinary experiences and networking dinners.
ANKARA
Experience The Idea Of
Ankara
Step into a dimension where ancient legacy meets future diplomacy. Witness the convergence of power, culture, and strategy.
Thematic Focus
The Idea of Diplomacy: a platform to explore Ankara’s legacy in culture and international policy.
Public Diplomacy in the 21st Century
Understanding the intersection of culture and governance.
Asia and the Mediterranean
Past, Present & Future – Regional cooperation and strategic opportunities.
Peace by Peaceful Means
Youth roles in conflict resolution and diplomacy.
Soft, Smart, and Hard Power
Analyzing tools of influence in international relations.
Strategic Communication
Techniques for effective advocacy, public diplomacy, and media engagement.
Grand Strategy vs Economic Strategy
Balancing national interests, regional cooperation, and global challenges.
Past keynote speakers of YPDS
Novruz Mammadov
Former Prime Minister of Azerbaijan
Keynote speaker at the Young Public Diplomacy Summit, Baku 2024, sharing unparalleled insights into statecraft and national strategy.
H.E. Bilal Hayee
Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan
Featured speaker at YPDS Baku 2024, emphasizing bilateral relations and cultural diplomacy in the Eurasian region.
Mr. Vusal Gurbanov
Acting Director General, ICYF-ERC
Leading discussions on regional security, Mediterranean geopolitics, and the future of Eurasian diplomacy.
Ms. Gulnara Aslenbyli
Official Representative, AmChamp
A leading voice in economic grand strategy, focusing on bridging the economic divides between emerging and developed nations.
Bakhshillo Khodjaev
Rector, Tashkent State Univ. of Law
Keynote at YPDS Tashkent 2025, addressing the intersection of legal frameworks and international public diplomacy.
H.E. Ahmed Farooq
Ambassador of Pakistan to Uzbekistan
Distinguished speaker at YPDS Tashkent 2025, discussing regional connectivity and the strategic importance of Central Asia.
Dr. Mehmet Ozkan
Institutional Expert, Maarif Foundation
Expert in conflict resolution, emphasizing soft power and strategic communication in high-tension environments.
M. Malik Taylan
VP / External Relations, TUGVA
Renowned strategist exploring the crossroads of modern cultural diplomacy and digital statecraft.
Days of Strategy
Opening & Strategy Modules
Keynote speeches by diplomats, interactive sessions on strategy and statecraft, networking reception.
Peace, Power & Policy
Workshops on soft power, simulations on diplomacy and conflict resolution, panel discussions.
Youth Innovation & Policy Labs
Meeting with Institutions, Thinktanks, Cultural diplomacy labs, policy design workshops.
Closing & Declarations
Closing ceremony, presentation of youth policy recommendations, networking and farewells.
Visual Archives
Baku
2024 Summit
Istanbul
2024 Summit
Tashkent
2025 SummitSummit Reports
Dive deep into the policy briefs, resolutions, and strategic outcomes from our legacy of global summits.
Expected Outcomes
Secure Your Seat
Join us in Ankara. Select your participation tier.
Scholarships
Scholarship access application.
- CSCD Invitation Letter
- Meals During Forum
- Air Ticket & Travel Support
- Accommodation (3 Nights)
- All Workshops
- Field Visits & Mentorship
- Certificate of Participation
- Virtual Course Qualification
Summit Fee
Standard access for the summit.
- CSCD Invitation Letter
- Meals During Forum
- Accommodation (3 Nights)
- All Workshops
- Field Visits & Mentorship
- Certificate of Participation
- Virtual Course Qualification
- Air Ticket Support
Summit Pass
Entry only (accommodation excluded).
- CSCD Invitation Letter
- Meals During Forum
- All Workshops
- Field Visits & Mentorship
- Certificate of Participation
- Virtual Course Qualification
- Accommodation (3 Nights)
- Air Ticket Support
Frequently Asked Questions
The Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) is an international platform that brings together emerging youth leaders, policymakers, academics, and professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue on diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation.
Following successful editions in Baku, Istanbul, and Tashkent, the summit continues its global expansion in Ankara—one of the most significant diplomatic and political hubs connecting Europe and Asia.
Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is a center of diplomacy, governance, and international collaboration. It hosts numerous embassies, policy institutions, and academic centers, making it an ideal environment for discussions on public diplomacy and global engagement.
The summit is open to:
- Emerging youth leaders
- University students
- Young professionals
Age Requirement: 16–40 years
Regions: Global (All countries eligible to apply)
No, prior formal diplomatic experience is not required.
However, applicants are encouraged to have a demonstrated interest in international relations or global affairs.
Yes, YPDS is designed as a semi-academic and experiential learning program. It includes:
- Expert-led panel discussions and lectures
- Policy dialogues and simulations
- Workshops on diplomacy, communication, and leadership
- Networking with academics, diplomats, and practitioners
Participants gain both theoretical insights and practical exposure to real-world diplomacy.
Scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership experience
- Impact in community or professional work
- Motivation and alignment with YPDS goals
Yes, all participants who successfully attend the summit and sessions will receive an official certificate of participation recognized globally.
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
Participants are generally responsible for their own travel and accommodation. However, there are merit-based 10 fully-funded scholarships, 15 partial funded scholarships and further opportunities for scholarships by the center.
Ready to Shape Global Strategy?
Join us in Ankara and take your place among the next generation of international leaders and diplomats.
Register for YPDS 2026