AfD organises and hosts events both at very high levels (involving National, International and Global leaders) at the grass-roots level working with local communities and schools. The forum also engages in digital broadcasts including webinars.
Young African Diplomatic Summit (YADS)
The summit aims to empower the next generation of global leaders, providing delegates with the tools and practical exposure to skills required for global diplomatic leadership. The summit includes working institutional visits, plenary sessions, practical workshops and interactions with world leaders and experts in the field of diplomacy. Delegates get to interact with MPs, Government officials, Media and Diplomacy experts on issues of global importance. The summit also creates international networking opportunities for young leaders. The summit attracts bright and accomplished young persons between 18-35 from across the globe. The summit covers current global and regional issues, honing the skills and art needed for effective diplomacy.

YADS 2020
Venue: London, United Kingdom
Highlights of the Summit:
- The art of diplomacy
- Modern Diplomatic strategies and their usefulness for Africa and the rest of the world
- Economic Integration and Private Sector Development
- Leadership and Influence, International Relations Strategies and policy development workshops
- The place of Africa in world politics
- Conflict Resolution, Peace & Security
- Study-visits to Embassies, international organizations and government agencies
What do we look out for in a candidate?
- Young ambitious professional or student who is eager to learn
- Interest and/or experience in international affairs and diplomacy
- Leadership capability and demonstrated ability to challenge the status quo
- Specific knowledge within a theme, area or sector, e.g. international finance, energy, health policy, development economics, education, entrepreneurship
Application Process
- To apply for this year’s AfD Summit (YADS2023) in Accra, send your current CV and personal statement that states your leadership aspiration: What impact do you want to have through your career? (no more than 500 words) to: register@diplomacyforum.org
- For more information about the application process, please feel free to contact us via email on register@diplomacyforum.org or call us on +233(0)548331335
- Application deadline is the 25th of May 2023
Participation Fees
Participation is GBP 750 for members (GBP 900 for non-members). Fee includes shared accommodation from the night of 20th August to the morning of 23rd July – 27th July 2023. Food (breakfast and lunch), receptions, institutional and cultural visits are all included within the fee. For delegates not requiring accommodation, the participation fee is GBP350 (GBP450 for non-members). Delegates with special requirements including single rooms may contact us for further information.
Age limit
Applicants are required to be between the ages of 20 and 35 at the time of application.
Note: Applications are open twice every year for our summits. There are alumni events and development programmes aimed at sustaining the skills learned. These programmes come at subsidized fees for alumni.

Apply Now for YADS-2020
Youth Initiatives

AfD organises and implements youth initiatives in African countries to promote youth empowerment and development of leadership potential of African youth.
Volunteer opportunities

AfD provides volunteer opportunities to members interested in leadership, international affairs, and diplomacy. Opportunities are published on our website as they become available. View available internship opportunities: