The Third Session of the Academy of Young Diplomats 2026 took place on February 20–22 in Warsaw – marking the first in-person session of this year's edition. It was held under the overarching theme of "Strategic Preparedness, Security & Defence".

The session opened with study visits to the Embassy of Ireland and the Embassy of Belgium. The evening featured Global Talks with Lt Gen Piotr Błazeusz, PhD, Commanding General of Eurocorps (2024–2025) – moderated by Dr. Tomasz Smura. Drawing on his extensive experience in senior leadership roles within the Polish Armed Forces and NATO, Lt Gen Błazeusz offered a compelling perspective on European security and defence.

Saturday began with a Leadership Lecture with Jacek Siewiera, Head of the National Security Bureau of Poland (2022–2025), moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska. This was followed by Diplomatic Skills Workshops:

• Public Diplomacy & the Democratization of Foreign Policy – Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska
• Leadership Styles for Emotionally Intelligent Leaders – Andrew Buchanan

On Sunday, participants took part in Specialisation Classes delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, including classes on the following topics:

• Europe's Energy Security – Maciej Bukowski
• Diplomatic protocol and Managing a Diplomatic Mission: Strategic Planning, Daily Operations, and High-Level Visits – Amb. Irena Lichnerowicz

The III AYD Session equipped participants with practical knowledge across security and defence, public diplomacy, leadership, and diplomatic protocol – providing them with essential tools for their future careers in diplomacy and international affairs.