Working towards a sustainable, secure, peaceful, and inclusive world
TUITION FEE
The tuition fee for this online Winter Seminar is 50 euros.
This fee includes:
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Panel discussion, workshops, lectures and final simulation.
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Access to all events via a protected and certified ZOOM host-account.
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Signature welcome package.
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All reading materials.
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Certificate of participation.
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To guarantee personalised and high-quality education we will only host 40 spots.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
SUMMER SCHOOL OF 2025
ON DISINFORMATION & DIPLOMACY
Located in The Hague, Netherlands
In a world where global events unfold in real time across digital platforms, the ability to navigate truth, perception, and power has become an essential skill for future leaders. Disinformation, propaganda, and influence campaigns are now core tools in the geopolitical arsenal — shaping elections, fueling conflict, and challenging the foundations of diplomacy and democratic dialogue.
The Young Diplomat Summer School on Diplomacy and Disinformation offers a unique opportunity for students and young professionals to delve into this critical and fast-evolving field. Taking place in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, this program brings together a diverse group of curious, ambitious, and globally minded individuals for an intensive and immersive learning experience.
Over the course of the program, participants will explore how diplomacy is adapting in an era dominated by information warfare and digital manipulation. Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, simulations, and expert-led discussions, you'll examine how disinformation operates in international politics, how governments and institutions are responding, and what role young professionals can play in shaping a more resilient and informed global society.
The Summer School is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant. You’ll gain insight from seasoned diplomats, researchers, journalists, and cybersecurity experts — and work alongside peers from around the world who share your passion for international affairs, strategic communication, and global cooperation. Whether you aspire to work in diplomacy, media, public policy, or international advocacy, the program equips you with the tools to understand complex narratives, critically assess information, and engage in meaningful, ethical communication.
Set in the heart of The Hague, this program also offers the chance to experience a city that lives and breathes diplomacy. From international courts and embassies to NGOs and think tanks, The Hague provides the perfect backdrop for a summer of learning, networking, and global inspiration.
Join us this summer and become part of a new generation committed to promoting truth, dialogue, and diplomacy in the digital age.
AS A PARTICIPANT YOU...
GAIN THEORETICAL INSIGHTS
You will be challenged to gather theoretical insights in the rapidly developing field of diplomacy in relation to cultural diplomacy from leading figures in the field.
WORK ON NEGOTIATION AND DIPLOMACY SKILLS
Gain valuable skills through a proven combination of applying theoretical knowledge in high end simulations. During the summer school, you will develop skills for public speaking, speech writing, doing research for negotiation and reporting.
START BUILDING YOUR OWN INTERNATIONAL NETWORK!
Build your international network through the Young Diplomat community and meet with diplomats from different disciplines. The Young Diplomat community offers you the opportunity to find new contacts within the field.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAID...
Higly recommend this course, well organised and great learning content. Gives realistic and good experience what diplomacy is and how it is conducted. Change to speak and learn from high level professionals on the field.
My experience at the summer school of The Young Diplomat was incredible. It was a week full of cooperation, negotiation, and learning. We met with diplomats, experienced professors, officials, and citizens involved in the fields of diplomacy, justice, and human rights. For me, it was a great opportunity for networking and learning for my academic and professional career. I would absolutely recommend this summer school for future students.
We as participants of the Young Diplomat Summer school experienced a very intense and informative program! We visited key political institutions in the Hague, had many interesting lectures from real diplomats, scientists and professionals. Experienced plenty unforgettable moments, built a huge international network, gained real negotiation skills and had a lot of fun. Highly recommend summer school!
PROGRAM SUMMER SCHOOL OF 2022
Conflict Resolution: How to Mediate
CEST (Amsterdam Time)
PROGRAM SUMMER SCHOOL OF 2025
ON DISINFORMATION & DIPLOMACY
CEST (Amsterdam Time)
Sunday 17th of August 2025
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20.00 - 21.30’ish
Welcome drink
First drink on the House, other drinks at own expense
Monday 18th of August 2025
09.00 - 10.00
Opening; On Disinformation & Diplomacy
Keynote speaker to be announced
10.30 - 12.00
Political and Diplomatic Negotiation
Dr. P.W. Meerts (International Negotiation Analyst, Leiden University & College of Europe)
13.30 - 17.00
The Dark Side of Digital Diplomacy: Tactics for Countering Digital Disinformation.
Professor Corneliu Bjola (Associate Professor of Diplomatic Studies at Oxford University)
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Tuesday 19th of August 2025
10.00 - 17.00
Artificial Intelligence and the impact on Disinformation
Julia Weckend (Professor of Philosophy on Post-Truth and Disinformation at Oxford University)
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Wednesday 20th of August 2025
10.00 - 11.30
The age of Disinformation and the European Union
EEAS representative
13.00 - 17.00
Workshop on Negotiation
H.B. van den Berg, MSc. (Director of The Young Diplomat, project manager at the Center for International Legal Cooperation) and the Team of the Young Diplomat
Thursday 21st of August 2025
10.00 - 12.00
Digital Diplomacy and Social Media
Dr. Ana Uribe Sandoval (Senior Lecturer at Erasmus University Rotterdam at the Department of Media and Communication)
13.30 - 17.00
Workshop public speaking and speech writing
Friday 22nd of August 2025
10.00 - 12.00
Visit to the ICC
14.00 - 16.00
Visit to the OPCW
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Monday 25th of August 2025
10.00 - 12.00
Embassy visit
13.30 - 14.45
Visit to the ICC
Tuesday 26th of August 2025
10.00 - 17.00
Negotiation Simulation
Wednesday 27th of August 2025
10.00 - 16.00
Cultural Diplomacy Assignment
16.30 - 17.00
Closing and Goodbye’s
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The program is subject to change depending on the availability of speakers and locations
TUITION FEE
The tuition fee for this Summer School is € 400,00
This fee includes:
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Workshops, lectures, tours of the Hague, embassy visits and final simulation.
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Access to all events (participants may join optional events for an extra fee)
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Signature welcome package.
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All reading materials.
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Certificate of participation.
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Fees do not include:
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Accommodation.
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Travel expenses.
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VISA application costs.
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Or any other costs during your stay or incurred by attending this program.
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To guarantee personalised and high-quality education we will only host 50 spots.
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More information about scholarships can be found below.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
To be admitted for this program you do not need previous experience, knowledge, or related studies in the field. The minimum age is 18 with no maximum age, there are no further restrictions on educational background or work experience. This program is open to anyone interested in the subject and wishing to obtain experience with diplomacy and negotiation.
To be selected, please fill out our form (button below) in which you will be asked to provide us with the following:
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A short essay on the impact of Disinformation on Diplomacy (250 words max); Write a short essay giving your view of how disinformation is impacting diplomacy.
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A short motivational statement (150 words max); Provide us with a short motivational statement on how this course will help you in your personal development. For instance, how will this summer school contribute to your career or personal goals? Or how will the course help you in your academic development?
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Your Curriculum Vitae, including current or previous studies, current or previous work experience, current or previous extra-curricula.
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Please note that both the short essay and motivational statement will be checked on whether it has been written by AI. If this is found to be the case your application will immediately be rejected.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 27th, 2025, 23:59 (CET, Amsterdam Time)
Part of the selection procedure may be an online interview of 10 - 15 minutes between the 28th of April and 4th of May.
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At the Young Diplomat, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop themselves. This summer school therefore offers scholarships for those who CANNOT afford our tuition fee. Please DO NOT apply if you are able cover your own costs.
The following scholarships are directly available from the Young Diplomat:
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Young Diplomat Scholarship (2x): This scholarship includes a waiver for the tuition fee, you will need to cover your own transportation, stay and other expenses.
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Paul Meerts Scholarship (1x): This scholarship includes a waiver for the tuition fee specifically for Ukrainian students, you will need to cover your own transportation, stay and other expenses.
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Important note: These scholarships cover ONLY the costs mentioned in their description. Applying for a scholarship does not come with any guarantees.
To apply for a scholarship we ask you to upload in the form, besides the required application documents, a short clip (maximum of 2 minutes and 30 seconds) in which you briefly highlight why you should be considered for this scholarship, give us an insight into your daily life and why you need this scholarship. Be creative and make sure it is a realistic representation of your life. We are not selecting you on your editing skills but on your story and personal situation. Avoid summarising your CV. Following your application for a scholarship, we might ask for additional information. For more questions please feel free to contact info@youngdiplomat.org.
