About AYD
The Academy of Young Diplomats (AYD) is a top-tier postgraduate diplomatic Program, which empowers a new generation of global leaders, through an innovative annual training experience, ending with an Executive Diploma in the Art of Diplomacy (EDAD).
Established in 2004, the AYD prepares future diplomats, civil servants and social entrepreneurs for international careers. The Program is known for its world-class faculty, practitioners-oriented approach and a network of more than 3000 graduates from over 60 countries. It is also accredited with the Ministry of Education of Poland.
A selected cohort of approximately 100 promising talents from around the world will take part in over 140 hours of lectures, workshops, practical exercises, study-visits and personal leadership development groups.
Program Structure & Highlights
Specializations – click to discover the classes
International Organizations
International Security
Polish Foreign Service
Why join us?
AYD XVI Schedule*
2019/2020 AYD Guests & Educators
Thorbjorn Jagland
Secretary General of the Council of Europe (2009-2019), Prime Minister of Norway (2000-2001)
Jeffrey D. Sachs
Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General, Professor at Columbia University
AYD XVI Edition Program
» Global Talks – a series of lectures which cover current themes in the international arena.
» Leadership Lectures – a Ted-X presentations, followed by a Q&A session with inspiring global leaders from diplomacy, politics, business and the non-for-profit sector.
» Specialization Courses – tailor-made to each of the three specializations, the classes offer a practitioner’s view of the most important issues in the field of international organizations, international security and foreign policy.
» Diplomatic Skills Workshops – offered to all three specializations, the workshops help grow the necessary skills in order to successfully pursue international careers in the chosen field.
» Study Visits – meetings with diplomats, public servants and government officials combined with a tour of the institution they work in.
» Diplomatic Practice Simulations – scenario based practical simulations, case study group games.
» Negotiation Skills and Techniques
» Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
» Leadership Skills
Students’ Opinion
An opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, which cannot be replaced by the best textbooks.
Joanna Burnos
International Cooperation RepresentativeNowoczesna Party
Graduate of 7th edition of AYD
At EAD you can count on meeting people with passion, and drive – to change the world for the better.
Veronika Grishel
Coordinator of Main Events at the World Youth DayPhD candidate at Cracow University of Economics
Graduate of the 8th edition of the AYD
I highly recommend the program, a great way to start a career and your path to become a leader.
Adam Pustelnik
Director of Investor Service and International Cooperation BureauCity of Lodz Office
Graduate of 9th edition of AYD
The Academy is an excellent networking platform for all those who share similar interests and wish to improve their qualifications.
Jowita Wencius
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PolandGraduate of 11th edition of AYD
The Academy of Young Diplomats program is a great introduction to the world of diplomacy. It covers everything from diplomatic protocol to current international affairs.
Aron Thyr
Management Consultant at Ecenea Management ABGraduate of 13th edition of AYD
Network of ambitious leaders which offers a unique opportunity to grow personally and professionally (…) an unforgettable experience for people willing to change the world into a better place.
Valerian Karchava
II year MA Student of the EU LawGraduate of 14th edition of AYD
Participants about AYD
AYD Strategic Partners
