We are delighted to announce that the Academy of Young Diplomats 2026 has officially commenced. This year's cohort brings together 70 outstanding participants from 32 countries, with nearly 60% of them being women – a result we are particularly proud of.

The I AYD Session started on January 9 with an online study visit to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), offering participants a unique insight into the work of one of the key international institutions.

The highlight was the Opening Ceremony, which was opened by Dr Michał Pronobis, Executive Director of the EAD, followed by a welcoming speech from Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska, Founder and Chair of the Council of the European Academy of Diplomacy.

The session featured a Global Talks with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, moderated by Prof. Pisarska. 

A particularly meaningful moment of the evening was the announcement of Professor Bronisław Geremek as the Patron of the 22nd edition of the Academy of Young Diplomats, made by Dr. Bartłomiej Nowak. 

The session was closed by Ambassador Jan Wojciech Piekarski, Former Head of the Council of Ambassadors of the European Academy of Diplomacy.

The second day of the I AYD Session, January 10, was devoted to skills development and substantive discussion. It opened with a Leadership Lecture with Tobias Ellwood, Member of the House of Commons and former Chair of the Defence Committee, moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska. Participants then took part in Diplomatic Skills Workshops and Specialisation Classes led by experienced practitioners and academics:

• Ethics in International Politics – Dr. Bartłomiej Nowak
• Speechwriting and Public Speaking for Diplomats – Ambassador Urszula Gacek
• Forecasting and Political Analysis: EU Security and Defence Capabilities – Błażej Sajduk
• Introduction to International Multilateral Negotiations – Ron Ton

We look forward to a year filled with learning, leadership development, and meaningful international cooperation.