Virtual Global Leadership Program: International Affairs in a Transforming World

In collaboration with the UN-established University for Peace | December 4-6, 2026 | Online

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08_08_25 Office & Opening Ceremony 2Y1A3950

December 4-6, 2026 / Online

An Immersive Certificate Program for Dynamic Young Leaders

The Virtual Global Leadership Program: International Affairs in a Transforming World is a three-day immersive experience designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in international affairs and lead in an increasingly complex world.

Through interactive conversations with global leaders, a virtual visit to a UN Permanent Mission, and hands-on workshops, you will gain insight into how international issues are shaped, negotiated, and addressed. You will strengthen practical skills in leadership, negotiation, communication, critical thinking, and global debate while working collaboratively with peers from around the world.

You will also have the opportunity to step into the role of diplomats through a Global Debate, representing a country, researching a global challenge, developing a position, and negotiating with other teams. The experience encourages you to look beyond your own perspectives, navigate competing interests, and develop solutions to complex global issues.

By the end of the program, you will have expanded your understanding of international affairs, strengthened your leadership toolkit, and built connections with a global community of emerging changemakers, preparing them to turn your ideas into meaningful impact in your community and beyond.

Thank you to our Program Partners!

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December 4-6, 2026 / Online

Who can attend this Virtual Program?

The Virtual Global Leadership Program is right for you if you…
  • Are between 18-35 years old, from anywhere in the world
  • Have a proven track record of leadership experience, school, or community involvement
  • Are proficient in written and spoken English (Intermediate Level)
  • Are interested in active global citizenship, global affairs, youth leadership, international careers, sustainable development, and youth issues
  • Want to cultivate your leadership skills, explore innovative strategies and get the tools to drive impactful change.

All attendees who complete the program will receive an official certificate from AFS Intercultural Programs, as well as a certificate from the UN-mandated University of Peace.

đźš© This is a standalone certificate program. The AFS Youth Assembly will not be part of this program, although participants will be eligible to receive expedited application review and a discount if they choose to attend future sessions of the AFS Youth Assembly.

What’s included in the fee?

Spots for this exclusive program are competitive and limited.

âś… The registration fee of $95 USD includes:

  • Participation in the full leadership program online
  • Networking opportunities
  • Official certificate issued by the UN-mandated University of Peace
  • Official certificate issued by AFS Intercultural Programs.

Read through the Terms and Conditions here

Why we launched this Virtual Program

Following two devastating world wars, the United Nations was established in 1945 with a commitment to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” uphold human rights and justice, promote social progress, and foster peaceful cooperation among nations. Over the decades, the international community has made significant progress toward these goals. In 2015, all 193 UN Member States adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, establishing a shared framework for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges by 2030. More recently, through the Summit of the Future in 2024, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future, reaffirming the need for stronger international cooperation and a more effective multilateral system.

Yet the world is undergoing profound and rapid transformation. Persistent poverty and inequality, gaps in access to education and opportunity, climate and environmental challenges, technological disruption, and ongoing conflicts continue to affect communities around the world. At the same time, emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, changing global power dynamics, and evolving approaches to international cooperation are reshaping how global challenges are understood and addressed.

These challenges cannot be addressed by governments and institutions alone. They require informed, collaborative, and globally minded leaders who can understand different perspectives, navigate competing interests, communicate across cultures, and work together to develop solutions.

The Virtual Global Leadership Program: International Affairs in a Transforming World was created to help equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage meaningfully in international affairs. Through conversations with global leaders, a virtual visit to a UN Permanent Mission, practical workshops, and a hands-on Global Debate, participants explore how international issues are shaped, negotiated, and addressed.

The program creates a space for young people from around the world to look beyond their own perspectives, engage with complex global issues, and develop the leadership, negotiation, communication, critical-thinking, and global debate skills needed to contribute to a changing world. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to understand global challenges, but to prepare the next generation to engage with them and turn ideas into meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Submit Your Application

Full Name (as in official goverment-issued ID)(Required)
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The Program will take place from 8AM - 2PM in the EDT Time Zone (New York). Please make sure you are able to join at those times. Check your time zone code at: https://www.timeanddate.com/time/zones/
Entry should be written in English.
Are you ready to complete payment of the registration fee?(Required)
The registration fee for the Virtual Global Leadership Program is $95 USD. Spots for this program are limited. No scholarships are available.
Your privacy is very important to AFS Intercultural Programs (AFS) and before you complete this form please carefully read and accept the terms of the AFS Privacy Policy. This policy informs you about the personal data that we collect, how we use it and keep it safe, and the choices you can make about your personal information. If you have any question or you want to access or rectify or erase your personal information please contact us at [email protected]. Accept if you agree that AFS processes your data for you participation in this AFS program as described above.(Required)
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Contact us

Would you like to talk to someone about the Virtual Global Leadership Program?
Get in touch with our team