Coming Soon
Paris • Amsterdam • Nuremburg • Vienna • Krakow • London • Dublin •
The Young Diplomats Tour (YDT) is a four-week tour to Europe in January to explore the evolution of diplomacy, from its historical roots to its contemporary forms.
YDT explores the place, people, and forces that have shaped the world as we know it. We’ll chart the birth of modern democracy, the rise of the nation-state, and the evolution of diplomacy to the current day. YDT investigates the big moments, ideas, and challenges our world leaders and societies have grappled with over the past 400 years.
How does the international community work together to promote peace, and what happens when peace breaks down?
Across the Tour, you’ll meet and engage with key players in international diplomacy – from UN representatives, European politicians, diplomates, embassies, leading thinkers and exports, NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about diplomacy in the past and the 21st century.
Across the Tour, you’ll meet and engage with key players in international diplomacy – from UN representatives, European politicians, diplomates, embassies, leading thinkers and exports, NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about diplomacy in the past and the 21st century.
Discover the Tour’s theme, cities and sites in the itinerary below.
Young Diplomats Tour 2025-2026 Yearbook
The 2025-2026 Young Diplomats Tour focused on the theme “The Rise & Fall of the Empires”.
The aim of this tour was for the delegates to develop knowledge and understanding of the factors which have historically created and destroyed empires and resulted in the modern world of nation-states. Delegates were able to expand their perceptions to consider the impacts on various demographics, including governments, citizens, and Indigenous populations.
The tour took place over Sydney, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London and Dublin.
Have a look at what they got up too and hear from some delegates!
International Activities designed for young people, by young people
UN Youth Australia’s International Activities are educational trips designed for high school students to explore the critical ideas and forces affecting today’s complex international society. Selected from all across Australia, ‘Delegates’ (our nickname for participants) embark on a tour to a country or region of countries to challenge their understanding and perspectives on issues and themes of global importance.
Tours are led by Facilitators and Welfare-trained UN Youth Australia volunteers and generally include:
- Workshops, designed by UN Youth Australia's education team.
- Consultations with relevant organisations, non-profits, and governments including their representations.
- Site Visits, to explore the history and current reality of how global themes and ideas have shaped our evolving societies.
- And general exploration of cities and cultural sites to immerse you in the country and its society.
26/27 THEME
20th Century Conflict
The 2026/27 Young Diplomats’ Tour will explore how conflict in the 20th century shaped modern diplomacy. Delegates will visit historical sites relevant to World War I & World War II and key diplomatic moments in Europe throughout the 1900s. They will learn how economic strength and sanctions, populist politics, and power struggles shaped European and, in turn, global tensions. Delegates will also be encouraged to apply their learnings to a modern context, examining patterns and trends that today’s decision-makers should learn from.
PLANNED ITINERARY
These are the planned cities for the trip. This itinerary is a good indication, but may slightly shift depending on operational requirements.
Sydney, Australia
Delegates will fly into Sydney from their nearest capital city to have some social time, a pre-event dinner, collect any last-minute necessities, and make sure we’re all ready to fly to Europe the following day.
Paris, France
We begin with Paris to explore the significant role of France in European politics. A day trip to Versailles will also invite delegates to consider the role of the Treaty in Versailles in furthering tensions.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Our exploration of Amsterdam will involve delving into the Dutch Resistance against Nazi forces, and considering the impact of occupation on marginalised individuals, particularly the Jewish population.
Nuremburg, Germany
In Nuremburg, we will discover how the Nuremburg trials revealed the depth of atrocities in World War II, and consider the importance of international law systems.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna offers a unique perspective on the destructive power of modern imperial ambitions and their catastrophic collapse through the lens of Nazi Germany.
Budapest, Hungary
Our visits in Budapest will highlight the role of the Soviet Union in 20th century European politics. Delegates will learn about the siege of Budapest in WWII and how it became a turning point in Eastern European warfare.
Krakow, Poland
TBA
London, United Kingdom
In London, we will explore the heart of the British Empire, understanding its immense global reach, the mechanisms of its control, and how the Empire came to fall. We will also consider the role of former British colonies, like Australia and New Zealand, in defending fronts on the other side of the world.
Dublin, Ireland
In Dublin, we will discover how the Troubles shaped the modern political landscape of the British Isles. Delegates will step into the back end of the 20th century to consider how cultural erasure has been used a tool of oppression, as well as how guerilla warfare has been used in political conflict.
Interested? This is how the application process works.
Every tour has its own selection process to pick the delegates for the tour. You will be supported and guided at every step of the application process.
Step Two
Apply by completing all questions on the application form!
Step Three
If successful, you will be invited for an interview.
Step Four
Selection! Welcome to the Tour. Enjoy your journey.
Applications for this International Activity are currently
CLOSED
Applications are closed
for the Young Diplomats Tour travelling in December 2026 to January 2027
Beginning your application to join the Tour
Due to the high interest and demand of our International Activities, delegates (young people/participants) are selected from an application process to attend their nominated Tour. The application process asks questions about your interests, understandings, and what you want to get out of attending this International Activity.
Applications are open to the following young people:
- All school aged students, in Years 10 to 12 (or equivalent year or age).
- Those residing in any Australian State or Territory.
You will need the following information to complete your application:
- Information about you (e.g. your name, age, and postcode).
- Answers to each question as outlined in the application form.
Applications are CLOSED.
The expected timing of the trip is the 27th of December 2026 to the 25th of January 2026. Dates are subject to change.
The cost of registration for delegates is projected to be approximately $12,000 – $15,000 AUD. Registration will cover all transportation (including International and Domestic Flights to our Australian departure city from your state or territory), the cost of food, accommodation, travel insurance and all activities. Participants are expected to cover the cost of passports (if applicable) and are responsible for ensuring their validity.
Questions? Email us at ydt@unyouth.org.au.
Get in touch with us!
Have a question? Maybe you’re excited about a Model United Nations debate?! Fill out the form and we will get back to you promptly!
Unless you tell us otherwise, we’ll send your message to the Division best equipped to help you.