Medium length headline 
Belfast. Berlin. Brussels. Krakow. London. Paris. The Hague.
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.
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.
CURRENT ITINERARY
Dates and cities of the trip. This itinerary is a good indication, but may slightly shift depending on operational requirements.
27 - 28 Dec
Melbourne, Australia
Delegates will fly into Melbourne 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.
29 - 31 Dec
Krakow, Poland
We will look at the Polish Partition, and Nazi and Soviet occupations of Poland and the impacts these events have on modern-day Poland. Our main activity in Krakow will be to visit Auschwitz, but there will also be exploration of Krakow’s Old Town and the Wawel Castle complex.
31 Dec - 4 Jan
Berlin, Germany
We will consider conflict in the twentieth century, the reunification of Germany and its role in the creation of the European Union. Some activities in Berlin will involve a tour of the Bundestag, visits to the Spy Museum and Tiergarten, and consultations with academics/diplomats.
4 - 8 Jan
The Hague, The Netherlands
We will focus on the role of the UN and its role in modern diplomacy. Key activities in The Hague will be consulting diplomats and key personnel in the International Criminal Court.
8 - 11 Jan
Brussels, Belgium
This stop will examine the role of the EU and use Belgium as a case study of the role of internal regional tension in diplomacy. Key activities in Brussels will be consultations with academics and members of the European Parliament, as well as a visit to the Parlamentarium.
11 - 15 Jan
Paris, France
We will consider the ongoing impact of the French Revolution, as both a catalyst for the revolutions of the late 18th century and modern-day politics in France. Some key activities include sight-seeing around Paris and consults with UN agencies based in Paris.
15 - 19 Jan
Belfast, Northern Ireland
We will focus on Irish-English relations through the Irish War of Independence and Irish Troubles, to impacts of the Brexit vote. Activities will include tours of key sites
19 - 20 Jan
London, United Kingdom
We will conclude our educational content by relating and comparing what has been studied in our other stops. Key activities in London will be: final night dinner, potential for one consultation, and sight-seeing.
Tour Gallery
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, complete Round Two and Three of your application.
Step Four
Selection! Welcome to the Tour. Enjoy your journey.
Applications to join this International Activity are currently
CLOSED
Express your Interest
for future International Activities. Open to all young people in High School across Australia.
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 typically open 8 to 12 months before an International Activitiy, depending on its region and duration of trip. Express your interested to be notified when applications open next.
Have a Question?
Get in touch with the Tour Convenor and our International Operations team with any questions you have about the tour.
Alternatively, you can email internationalactivities@unyouth.org.au and a team member will reach out.
Your information will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy.