Global Young Public Diplomacy Summit 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia

Overview of the Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) 2026

The Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) 2026 invites aspiring young leaders, students, and professionals from across the globe to participate in a transformative four-day event in Jakarta, Indonesia. Organized by the esteemed Center for Strategy & Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD), this summit is scheduled to run from August 13 to August 16, 2026. Building on the success of previous editions held in various international locations, YPDS 2026 is meticulously designed to foster a deeper understanding and practical engagement in critical areas such as diplomacy, leadership development, peacebuilding initiatives, strategic communication, and international cooperation. Participants will engage in a dynamic program featuring insightful keynote sessions delivered by experts, interactive workshops, stimulating policy discussions, invaluable networking opportunities with peers and mentors, and practical leadership activities. The summit's thematic focus for this year is diverse and highly relevant, encompassing topics like Public Diplomacy in the 21st Century, exploring the intricate relationship between Asia and the Mediterranean: Past, Present & Future, advocating for Peace by Peaceful Means, analyzing the interplay of Soft, Smart, and Hard Power, mastering Strategic Communication, and debating the merits of Grand Strategy vs Economic Strategy. This comprehensive agenda ensures a rich learning experience and encourages participants to contribute actively to global dialogues.

Eligibility Criteria

The Young Public Diplomacy Summit in Indonesia welcomes a broad spectrum of international applicants who meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 16 and 40 years old at the time of application.

• Applicant Profile: The summit is open to a diverse group including students, young professionals, dedicated researchers, and emerging youth leaders.

• Interest Areas: Prospective participants should demonstrate a genuine interest in fields such as diplomacy, leadership, public policy formulation, international relations, or cultural exchange programs.

• Geographic Scope: Individuals from all regions, including Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the world, are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Experience: No prior diplomatic experience is necessary, making this an accessible opportunity for those new to the field.

• Language Proficiency: There is no requirement for IELTS or any other formal language proficiency test for the application process, ensuring inclusivity for a wider international audience.

Benefits and Funding Categories

The Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) 2026 offers several participation categories, each designed to accommodate different levels of funding support:

• Scholarship Category (Fully Funded): This prestigious category provides comprehensive support for selected participants. Benefits include substantial travel support, potentially up to USD 1,000, which is determined based on the participant's country of residence and actual travel expenses. Additionally, it covers accommodation for the duration of the summit, all meals, full access to all workshops, invaluable mentorship opportunities, engaging field visits, a formal certificate of participation, and qualification for a virtual course.

• Partially Funded Category: Participants in this category are required to contribute USD 300 towards their participation. In return, they receive an official CSCD Invitation Letter, all meals during the forum, accommodation for three nights, full access to all workshops, enriching field visits and mentorship, a certificate of participation, and virtual course qualification. Please note that airfare is not included in this category.

• Self-Finance Category: This option provides participants with an official CSCD Invitation Letter, meals throughout the forum, accommodation for three nights, complete access to all workshops, engaging field visits and mentorship, a certificate of participation, and virtual course qualification.

• Summit Pass Category: This category grants participants access to the forum, meals, all workshops, mentorship sessions, field visits, virtual course qualification, and a certificate of participation.

Applicants are advised to carefully review each category and select the one that best suits their needs and eligibility during the application process.