Joining a Forum

The principal focus of the Young Leader´s Forum is to develop a network of young leaders with an interest in developing, supporting and sustaining intercultural relations. As an independently developed and organized program, the YLF offers a unique opportunity for individuals, institutions, organizations and companies and their aspiring leaders to come together and foster intercultural relations. This in turn will develop a wider understanding of intercultural issues, and promote personal global peace and stability.

The Aims of the Forums Are:

• To foster international networks of likeminded individuals who have an interest in supporting and strengthening intercultural relations within or between the countries or regions in focus.
• To give forum members a greater awareness of the history, development, and future of the field of cultural diplomacy and its application to the relationship or region in focus.
• To offer forum members access to a range of informed perspectives and insights on cultural, political, and economic issues in the relationship or region in focus.
• To support forum members with the organization of their own cultural exchange programs, known as leadership initiatives, that serve to strengthen intercultural relations at the local, national, and international levels.

How do I join a Young Leaders Forum? »

To join a Young Leaders Forum, individuals must first take part in one of the regular Weeklong Seminars organized by the forum. These Weeklong Seminars take place throughout the year and their curricula generally include academic lectures and discussions, interactive workshops and presentations, cultural and artistic visits, as well as other activities appropriate to the forum focus.

By taking part in a Weeklong Seminar participants can learn more about the field of Cultural Diplomacy and the relationship or region in focus, whilst also meeting other young leaders who are joining the forum. In addition, Weeklong Seminars provide an opportunity for the young leaders taking part to discuss and plan with each other possible leadership initiatives that they will organize in the future.

Young Leaders Forums are open to all individuals with an active interest in the forum focus. Members include diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, young professionals and students.

To join a forum you must take part in one of the Weeklong Seminars which will be held during the year. To apply for a position please use the link below:
Once individuals have taken part in the Weeklong Seminar and joined the Forum they will have support in the following areas:

Networking (More »)

Once individuals join the Forum they are invited to join the Online Forum. This Forum represents the perfect location to network and share information on job and internship opportunities, related events, reunions, and to gain support for your leadership initiative.

Leadership Initiatives (More »)

Program participants are encouraged to organize their own "leadership initiatives" after the program, which can help to spread the principles of cultural diplomacy much further. The OYED is able to support Forum members in the areas of research, marketing, event management, and audio-visual documentation, as well as general guidance.

Academic Research (More »)

Forum members are supported by the OYED in conducting research studies into issues relating to the Forum. The OYED offers guidance in the preparation of research proposals and is able to publish studies completed to a large, international audience through the OYED website.