Applications are open for the Youth Diplomacy Convention (YDC) 2027 in Brussels, Belgium. Organised by the Organisation for Global Peace and Sustainability (OGPS), this international event will bring together young leaders, students, professionals, aspiring diplomats and changemakers to discuss global challenges and explore opportunities for international cooperation.
The four-day convention will feature leadership workshops, youth panels, discussions, networking sessions and cultural activities. Participants will explore topics such as diplomacy, peacebuilding, sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship and youth participation in global decision-making.
The organisers list 100 scholarship places across three funding categories, including 25 fully funded places, 25 partially funded places and 50 convention-access scholarships. Applicants from all nationalities and academic backgrounds are welcome.
The fully funded category includes airfare support, hotel accommodation, meals during programme days, visa support documentation and access to convention activities. However, scholarship selection is competitive, and applicants must pay a processing fee.
Important date note: The announcement provided to OWAFK Africa lists 22–25 March 2027, while the organiser’s official website currently lists 23–26 March 2027. Confirm the dates and application deadline directly with OGPS before making travel arrangements.
Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027: Overview
About the Youth Diplomacy Convention
The Youth Diplomacy Convention is an international event designed to give young people a platform to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership skills and discuss issues affecting communities around the world.
Brussels is an important centre for European and international diplomacy. The convention will use this international setting to bring together participants interested in global affairs, international cooperation, peace and sustainable development.
The programme will include interactive workshops, youth discussions, networking activities and cultural experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute ideas to the proposed Brussels Youth Declaration 2027.
The convention is suitable for people who want to learn about diplomacy and international affairs, build professional connections and develop their understanding of global challenges.
Financial Benefits and Scholarship Categories
The organiser offers three scholarship categories. Applicants should understand the differences before choosing which category to apply for.
1. Fully Funded Scholarship – 25 Places
Selected participants in the fully funded category are offered:
Note: The organiser describes the benefit as airfare support. Applicants should confirm the amount and exact travel arrangements before assuming that every travel expense will be covered. Visa support documentation does not guarantee visa approval.
2. Partially Funded Scholarship – 25 Places
The partially funded category includes:
International airfare is not included in this category. Selected participants should be prepared to pay for their own flights and any other expenses not covered by the package.
3. Convention-Access Scholarship – 50 Places
This category provides access to the convention programme and selected activities, including:
Accommodation and international airfare are not listed as benefits of this category. Applicants should confirm the complete package with the organiser.
Is the Application Free?
No. The official website lists a £11.99 confirmation and processing fee for scholarship applications.
Paying this fee does not guarantee selection. The 100 scholarship places are awarded through a competitive review process.
The organiser also advertises separate paid participation options for applicants who prefer to register without competing for a scholarship.
Programme Themes and Activities
The convention will cover a range of subjects related to leadership, international affairs and youth participation.
1. Diplomacy and Global Leadership
Participants will discuss leadership, international cooperation and the role young people can play in addressing global challenges.
2. Peacebuilding and International Cooperation
Sessions will explore how dialogue, understanding and collaboration can contribute to more peaceful communities and stronger international relationships.
3. Climate Action and Sustainability
Participants will exchange ideas about environmental challenges, sustainable living and practical ways to encourage positive change.
4. Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Discussions will consider how technology and AI are changing education, employment, communication and society.
5. Youth Empowerment
The programme will explore ways young people can participate in decision-making, develop leadership skills and contribute to their communities.
6. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Participants will discuss how innovation, entrepreneurship and creative thinking can help address social and economic challenges.
7. Education and Future Careers
Sessions will examine the skills young people need to prepare for changing career opportunities and international professional environments.
8. Culture and Global Citizenship
Participants will learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and international collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
The Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027 is open to applicants from different countries and professional backgrounds.
According to the organiser, applicants should meet the following criteria:
Is IELTS Required?
No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required according to the organiser’s published eligibility information. However, participants should be able to communicate in English because it is the convention’s working language.
Is Previous International Experience Required?
No. The organiser states that applicants do not need previous international or leadership experience.
Applicants should still provide thoughtful answers demonstrating their interests, motivation and potential contribution to the convention.
Required Application Information
The organiser’s website indicates that the online application includes personal details and questions about applicants’ backgrounds and motivation.
Before starting, prepare the following information:
Review the official form for the complete document requirements. Do not assume that submitting an application automatically guarantees a scholarship or visa.
How to Apply for the Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027
Applications are submitted through the organiser’s official website.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Youth Diplomacy Convention page:
Step 2: Review the Scholarship Categories
Read the benefits of the fully funded, partially funded and convention-access scholarships.
Choose the category that best suits your needs. Remember that the fully funded category has only 25 places.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Follow the application link on the official website and enter your personal details, educational or professional background and motivation for attending.
Step 4: Explain Your Motivation
Describe why you are interested in diplomacy, leadership or international cooperation. Explain what you hope to learn and how you could apply the experience in your community, organisation or career.
Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee
The organiser lists a £11.99 fee for scholarship applications. Before paying, review the fee terms and refund policy.
Payment does not guarantee a scholarship.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Check your answers carefully before submitting. Keep a copy of your application confirmation and any payment receipt.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Decision
Scholarship applications are reviewed competitively. Follow the organiser’s instructions for checking your application status and receiving results.
Step 8: Confirm Travel and Visa Requirements
If selected, confirm your funding category, airfare arrangements, accommodation details and visa documentation.
Visa support documentation is not the same as a visa approval. Applicants must meet the relevant Belgian and Schengen visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027 fully funded?
There are 25 fully funded scholarship places. The organiser lists airfare support, hotel accommodation, meals during programme days, visa support documentation and access to convention activities among the benefits.
There are also partially funded and convention-access scholarships with different benefits.
2. Can applicants from Ghana apply?
Yes. The convention is open to applicants of all nationalities, including Ghanaian citizens, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
3. What is the age limit?
The organiser lists an age range of 17–47 years.
4. Is IELTS required?
No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required according to the organiser’s published eligibility criteria. Applicants should still have sufficient English skills to participate in the programme.
5. How many fully funded places are available?
The organiser lists 25 fully funded places, 25 partially funded places and 50 convention-access scholarships.
6. Is there an application fee?
Yes. The scholarship processing fee is £11.99. Paying it does not guarantee selection.
7. Does the fully funded scholarship cover airfare?
The organiser lists round-trip airfare support under the fully funded category. Applicants should confirm the exact amount and travel arrangements directly with OGPS.
8. Does the scholarship guarantee a Belgian visa?
No. Visa support documentation may help applicants prepare their applications, but the Belgian authorities make the visa decision. Applicants should not purchase non-refundable travel arrangements before confirming their visa and funding arrangements.
9. When will the convention take place?
The organiser’s official website currently lists 23–26 March 2027. The announcement supplied to OWAFK Africa lists 22–25 March, so applicants should confirm the final dates with OGPS.
10. What is the application deadline?
The supplied announcement lists 31 December 2026. However, the official page does not clearly display a calendar deadline in its published event details. Check the application portal to confirm the closing date before applying.
Final Thoughts
The Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027 in Belgium may interest students, young professionals, aspiring diplomats and other applicants who want to develop their leadership skills and learn more about international cooperation.
The programme offers three scholarship categories, but applicants should carefully compare the benefits before applying. Only 25 places are listed under the fully funded category, and scholarship applications require a processing fee.
Before paying, confirm the application deadline, event dates, airfare support and visa arrangements directly with the organiser.
Official website: https://ogps.uk/ydc2027/
Application fee: £11.99 for scholarship applications
Fully funded places: 25
Event dates listed by the organiser: 23–26 March 2027
