Young Professionals in Foreign Policy upcoming events

Advisors Program 2026 (disabled) (March 31, 2026)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:00:00 GMT

YPFP Brussels presents the newest edition of its Advisors Program 2026!

What?

This annual program pairs participants with experienced professionals in foreign policy and security policy, guiding them through the early stages and key steps of their careers. As an Advisee, you'll be matched with an Advisor whose expertise aligns with your career interests and goals. Over a span of seven months (excluding the summer break), you will have the chance to engage with professionals who have built successful careers in your field. Regular one-on-one sessions with your Advisor will help you map out your career path and create personalised strategies to tackle any challenges you face. Throughout the program, you will also participate in workshops and social events with your cohort. These activities will allow you to hone various skills, from traditional leadership abilities like public speaking, to out-of-the-box approaches such as intercultural communication and relationship building. Additionally, the social events will provide opportunities to form connections and friendships with other ambitious young professionals in Brussels.

The 2026 cohort will further expand the Alumni network. You will gain access to a broad community of talented leaders, creating a valuable resource for mutual support, collaboration, and connection beyond the Advisors Program.

Why?

The primary goal of the Advisors Program is to offer guidance and support to emerging young leaders and professionals in the fields of foreign and security policy. Brussels is home to numerous international organisations, boasting a range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. However, navigating this landscape can be difficult, and ambitious goals may sometimes feel unattainable. In this highly competitive job market, YPFP Brussels provides members with a rare opportunity to receive mentorship from distinguished professionals who are dedicated to helping them reach their aspirations.

Who?

The Advisors Program is open to all YPFP Brussels members who meet the following criteria and are eager to embrace new opportunities and take part in this exciting journey:

Be a YPFP Brussels member
Recent graduate with a degree in foreign affairs, security, or related fields
Young professional in your first position or stuck in a repetitive internship cycle
Young professional looking to switch careers, explore a new area of expertise, or gain deeper insights into your career path (< 2 years of professional experience, excluding internships)
Based in Brussels
Ready to commit to the full duration of the program

Not a member yet? No worries! Sign up here to take advantage of this and other membership perks.

The program requires an estimated commitment of 10-12 hours per month, including individual meetings (scheduled with your mentor) and workshops.

How?

To apply for the Advisors Program, simply upload your CV to the registration form and answer a few brief questions about your motivation, expectations, and goals (please note there is a limit of 250 characters per question!). The application deadline was extended to 8 March2026. Please be aware that spots are limited. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of their success by early April. If you have any questions, feel free to email advisors.program@ypfp.org or reach out directly to Tanaz Farmani, Advisors Program Officer.

Interested in becoming an Advisor?

Are you interested in offering guidance and support to young and aspiring foreign and security policy professionals? For more information, please get in touch with advisors.program@ypfp.org.

Advisors Program 2026 (August 31, 2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

YPFP Brussels is proud to launch the newest edition of its Advisors Program 2026!

What?

Under this program, participants will be paired with experienced professionals in the fields of foreign policy and security policy, and mentored through the beginning and next steps of their career. As an Advisee, you will be matched with an Advisor based on your interests and goals, and their relevant experience. Over the course of seven months, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with experienced professionals who have established themselves in your field of interest. You will have regular one-on-one meetings with your Advisor, who will help you define your path and develop tailor-made approaches to your career challenges. As part of the Program, you will also get to participate in several workshops and social events with your cohort. These will provide you with the chance to learn and practice a range of skills, from classical leadership, such as public speaking, to out-of-the-box approaches, including intercultural communication and relationship building. On top of this, social events will help you build connections and friendships with other like-minded and ambitious young professionals in Brussels!

The 2025 cohort continues expanding the pool of Alumni. As this pool expands in the future, you will benefit from a network and community of young and smart leaders – a pool of expertise and contacts to support one another beyond the framework of the Advisors Program.

Why?

The main aim of the Advisors Program is to provide orientation and support for young and aspiring foreign and security policy leaders and professionals. Brussels hosts a wide array of international organisations, with career opportunities within the public and private sectors alike. This can prove challenging to navigate, and high-reaching goals may often seem out of reach. In this very competitive job market, YPFP Brussels offers members a unique opportunity to be mentored by high-profile professionals ready to help them achieve their objectives.

Who?

The Advisors Program is open to all YPFP Brussels members that fulfill the criteria below and are ready to explore new opportunities and join this adventure!

Member of YPFP Brussels
Recent university graduate in foreign affairs, security, and related fields
Young professional in a first position or trapped in a repetitive internship cycle
Young professional wishing to change jobs and/or area of expertise, or seek a more profound understanding of their career path (< 2 years of professional experience, internships excluded)
Residing in Brussels
Willing to commit to the program for its overall duration

Not a member yet? No problem! Sign up here and benefit from this and other membership advantages.

The time commitment will be an estimated 10-12 hours per month including individual meetings (to be agreed with your mentor) and workshops.

How?

Apply for the Advisors Program by uploading your CV into the registration form, and answering a few short questions about your motivation, expectations and goals. The deadline for applying is 12 July 2026. Please note that places are limited. All applications will be screened and applicants will be informed whether they have been successful in early April. If you have any questions, please send a message to advisors.program@ypfp.org or directly contact Theresa Hartl, Deputy Director of Membership & Benefits.

Interested in becoming an Advisor?

Would you like to provide orientation and support for young and aspiring foreign and security policy leaders and professionals? You can send a message to advisors.program@ypfp.org for more information.

YPFP--Global Networking (September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On September 5th from 10:00 am-11:30 am EST, YPFP--Global will be hosting its first ever networking event! Meet your fellow Global members from around the world and learn about each other's interests and learn more about YPFP--Global! A Zoom link will be sent the day before the event. At this time, this is a members-only event.

Hot Dogs and Diplomacy - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:45:00 GMT

Attention: All attendees shuuld prepare to arrive at Peace Corps HQ (1275 1st St NE) by 3:45 PM and bring a valid photo ID — license or passport — to clear security.

Join the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy D.C. Branch as we partner with Bridges of Baseball for a night of baseball and celebration. Nationals Park is hosting the Phillies for 2026 Roberto Clemente Day and Hispanic Heritage Day on Tuesday, September 15th -- a specialty "Los Nacionales" hat is included in the price of the ticket!

Baseball builds bridges across the Americas and beyond - quietly shaping cultures, communities, and diplomacy. Read this op-ed in Bridges of Baseball on how the game can strengthen the latest political reconciliation efforts in Venezuela.

Starting at 5:45 PM, we'll explore how baseball shapes foreign policy (and vice versa), featuring special guests to be announced soon. Come share your love of baseball and foreign affairs!

The UN and the Nuclear Threat: A Career Perspective from Angela Kane (September 29, 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

What does it take to build a career at the United Nations—and reach its highest levels of leadership? And how can diplomacy help address today’s most serious threats to international peace and security?

Join us on 29 September at 18:00 CET for a conversation with Angela Kane, former UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, in collaboration with the International Institute for Peace (IIP).

Angela Kane will reflect on her 35-year UN career, share insights into the inner workings of international diplomacy, and discuss the UN’s role in nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and international peace and security.

The event will conclude with an open Q&A on nuclear security, diplomacy, and careers in international affairs.

29 September | 18:00 CET | In collaboration with IIP

Sip & Learn: Global Health Diplomacy with the Republic of Korea (September 29, 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

** Event location to be announced, will be Central DC**

Join YPFP and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on September 29 from 6:00–8:00 PM for a conversation exploring Korea’s healthcare system, health policy, and its broader contributions to global health.

The event will feature Harum Jeon (World Bank & ex-Korean NHIS), who will provide an overview of Korea’s healthcare system, its path toward universal health coverage, and Korea’s evolving role in global health. Attorney Hangyoung Ko (Counsel to the Ministry of Health and Welfare) will then examine the intersection of law, medicine, and global health, drawing on Korea’s experience with universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, public health governance, and health innovation, with consecutive interpretation.

The presentations will be followed by a moderated Q&A and networking reception, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and connect with others working across global health, foreign policy, and international affairs.

Our partners Pastries & Policy, and the Sejong Society, are thanked for this great collaboration.

Save the Date: PIIE Insider Live (October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Save the Date! Join us for a Special Edition of PIIE Insider LIVE! This joint event presented by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) is designed to bring together leading economic experts and the next generation of international policy professionals for lively conversations on the global economy and foreign economic policy.

The program will feature an exclusive PIIE Insider LIVE podcast recording and audience Q&A with PIIE Senior Fellow Inu Manakhosted by PIIE Communications Director and YPFP Member Anjali V. Bhatt, followed by an in-person networking reception. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of international economics or expand your professional network, this is an evening you won't want to miss!

Event Details:

Date: October 7, 2026
Time:
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: PIIE Insider LIVE recording with Q&A
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Reception
Location: The Peterson Institute (In-Person) 1750 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Cost: Free livestream*

*In-person attendance is available to active YPFP members and PIIE invitees.

Sip & Learn: Global Health Diplomacy with Portugal - Health Diplomacy in the Lusophone World (October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Embassy of Portugal, together with the Young Professionals for Foreign Policy, cordially invite you to a Seminar

Health Diplomacy in the Lusophone World to discuss Global Health Cooperation between Portugal and the CPLP

This event seeks to foster high-level leadership in global health diplomacy, a shared goal of the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). We are convening representatives of diplomatic missions, agencies, government officials, members of the U.S. Congress, congressional staff, and policymakers for an informal and collaborative discussion on how Portugal leverages the CPLP as a platform for advancing Global Health cooperation across Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia.

The meeting will offer insights into how countries are successfully using a shared language and partnerships to strengthen health systems, workforce development and pandemic preparedness across nine member states, particularly at the level of nutrition, food and nutrition security, in the dimension of National Health Systems of the CPLP’s Strategic Plan for Health Cooperation (PECs 23-27).

Sip & Learn: Global Health Diplomacy with the Royal Thai Embassy (November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join YPFP and the Royal Thai Embassy for a Sip & Learn November 3rd, 6-8:30pm exploring Thailand’s healthcare system, health policy, and its broader contributions to global health.

The discussion will feature Professor Mark Gregory Robson, Dr. Sutayut Osornprasop, and Minister-Counselor Thitidej Tularak.

Professor Robson brings more than three decades of collaboration with Thai academic and government institutions and has been recognized for his contributions to science and international research partnerships.

Dr. Osornprasop is a Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, where he works on health-system strengthening, health security financing, nutrition, NCDs, health taxes, and universal health coverage across Asia and the Pacific.

Minister-Counselor Tularak leads higher education, science, research, and innovation affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC, supporting Thailand’s international partnerships in science, technology, and education.

The discussion will explore Thailand as a Case Study in the Multidimensionality of Global Health Diplomacy.

The panel will be followed by a moderated Q&A and networking happy hour, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and connect with professionals working across global health, diplomacy, health policy, research, and international affairs.

We thank our partners at Pastries & Policy for their support on this event.