The Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027 (YDC 2027) takes place in Brussels, Belgium, from 23 to 26 March 2027. It is organised by the Organisation for Global Peace and Sustainability (OGPS) and offers 300 delegate seats to participants of all nationalities aged 17 to 47, including 100 scholarship seats that carry a £11.99 application fee. The deadline is 20 December 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the organiser's official page and set out every category, price and date below.
What the Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027 Is
📍 Venue: Holiday Inn Brussels Airport, Brussels, Belgium
🗓️ Dates: 23-26 March 2027
🏢 Organiser: the Organisation for Global Peace and Sustainability (OGPS), a UK-based organisation working across youth engagement, peace, sustainability and international cooperation
👥 Delegates: 300, from all nationalities
🧩 Format: in person, a four-day convention
The convention brings together young leaders, emerging diplomats, changemakers and aspiring global professionals. Through engaging sessions, practical discussions, networking opportunities and cross-cultural experiences, participants connect across borders and explore ideas for a more connected and peaceful future. Delegates also contribute to the development of the Brussels Youth Declaration 2027.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Project: Please Read First
⚠️ Different programme: the convention is organised by OGPS. It is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps, so the usual no-fee rules of those programmes do not apply here
💳 Fees apply: there is a £11.99 application fee for the scholarship seats and paid prices for the other participation categories and the visa invitation letter, all listed below
🔎 Check before you pay: compare every fee with the organiser's own page before paying, and read how we check opportunities in our guide on how Youth Works Hub verifies opportunities and how to spot a fake
Scholarship Seats: 100 Merit-Based Opportunities
The convention offers three funded categories across its 300 seats. Scholarships are awarded on merit through the application and selection process, not first come, first served:
🥇 Fully Funded Scholarship: 25 seats
🥈 Partially Funded Scholarship: 25 seats
🎟️ Convention Access Scholarship: 50 seats
Each scholarship application carries an application processing fee of £11.99. The page lists £15 and shows a "First to Register, First to Save" offer of 20% off, which gives the £11.99 price for the earliest delegates, and describes the fee as covering confirmation and processing only. The organiser states that a minimal administrative fee applies to scholarship applications to support the evaluation process.
What the Fully Funded Scholarship Includes
✈️ Round-trip airfare support
🏨 Premium hotel accommodation
🏛️ European Parliament and Council visits
🛂 Visa support documentation
🥐 Daily breakfast
🍽️ Meals during programme days
🗺️ Guided city tour
🤝 Workshops, discussions and networking
🎫 Full access to all sessions and activities
🎒 Delegate kit and official materials
📜 Certificate of participation
What the Partially Funded Scholarship Includes
The Partially Funded Scholarship covers your stay. Airfare support is not included. It includes:
🏨 Premium hotel accommodation
🏛️ European Parliament and Council visits
🛂 Visa support documentation
🥐 Daily breakfast
🍽️ Meals during programme days
🗺️ Guided city tour
🤝 Workshops, discussions and networking
🎫 Full access to all sessions and activities
🎒 Delegate kit and official materials
📜 Certificate of participation
What the Convention Access Scholarship Includes
The Convention Access Scholarship covers the programme. It includes:
🏛️ European Parliament and Council visits
🛂 Visa support documentation
🤝 Workshops, discussions and networking
🍽️ Meals during programme days
🗺️ Guided city tour
🎫 Full access to all sessions and activities
🎒 Delegate kit and official materials
📜 Certificate of participation
Paid Participation: Seats Guaranteed on Payment
If you do not apply for a scholarship, or would rather secure your place directly, these seats are booked immediately, with no selection process and no waiting. Confirmation is issued upon successful payment:
🏨 Self-Funded Delegate (Complete Package): £549 + tax, 100 seats, with guaranteed participation, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, meals during programme days, European Parliament and Council visits, a guided city tour, visa support documentation, networking opportunities, full access to sessions, a delegate kit and a certificate of participation
🎫 Convention Access Pass (Full Access): £299 + tax, 100 seats, with guaranteed participation, European Parliament and Council visits, visa support documentation, meals during programme days, a guided city tour, networking opportunities, full access to sessions, a delegate kit and a certificate of participation. Accommodation is not included
🏷️ Early bird: both paid categories show a 10% early bird saving, and the page notes that seats are filling fast
Visa Invitation Letter: £69.99 + Tax
The Visa Invitation Letter is a standalone add-on service available to all applicants at £69.99 + tax. It includes an official visa invitation letter, confirmation of participation and embassy and consulate coordination support. It is a non-participant category: the letter itself does not include convention participation or event access. You can upgrade your registration to a guaranteed participation category at any time, and the visa invitation fee is fully adjusted against the upgraded registration fee.
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🌍 All opportunities in Belgium →
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Why Brussels
Brussels is home to NATO Headquarters and European Union Headquarters. The European Commission sets policy there, the Council of the European Union brings member states to the table and the European Parliament gives voice to hundreds of millions of citizens, while ambassadors, international organisations, think tanks and civil society groups work in the same city. Beyond its institutions, Brussels is a city of grand squares, Art Nouveau façades and neighbourhoods where many languages and cultures meet.
Step Inside Europe: European Parliament and Council Visits
As part of the convention, your journey takes you closer to the European Union. Delegates visit two key EU institutions in Brussels: the European Parliament, where elected representatives debate and shape legislation, and the Council of the European Union, where member states negotiate and decide on EU policy.
The Eight Convention Themes
Eight connected themes run through every session, workshop and dialogue across the four days:
💬 Ideas, Dialogue and Global Leadership: creating spaces where young voices exchange ideas, challenge perspectives and develop the confidence to lead
🕊️ Peace, Understanding and Collaboration: exploring how communication, empathy and cooperation can build stronger and more peaceful communities
🌱 Climate Action and Sustainable Living: turning everyday ideas and innovative solutions into action for a more sustainable future
🤖 Technology, AI and the Future: discussing how technology and artificial intelligence are transforming education, work, communication and society
🚀 Youth Empowerment and Opportunity: expanding opportunities for young people to participate, contribute, create and shape the future
💡 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Impact: exploring how creativity, entrepreneurship and new ideas can solve problems and create positive social impact
📚 Education, Skills and Future Careers: preparing young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive in a changing world
🌐 Culture, Connection and Global Citizenship: building understanding across cultures and encouraging young people to become responsible and engaged global citizens
Six Milestones of the Experience
🎙️ Global Dialogues and Youth Panels: conversations with speakers, experts and fellow delegates on global issues, emerging ideas and youth leadership
🏙️ Brussels Discovery and Networking: experience Brussels while connecting with young people from different cultures
🛠️ Workshops and Leadership Labs: interactive workshops, simulations and activities focused on communication and creative thinking
📣 Youth Voices and Ideas Exchange: share your perspective, present your ideas and hear how young people around the world approach challenges
🔗 Cross-Cultural Collaboration: build international connections and discover opportunities to collaborate beyond the convention
🏅 Recognition and Global Alumni: receive your official Certificate of Participation and join the growing OGPS global alumni community
Who Can Apply
The convention is designed for a deliberately wide range of young changemakers:
🌍 Nationality: open to participants of all nationalities, with no regional restrictions
🎂 Age: 17 to 47 years
🎓 Background: open to all academic, professional and educational backgrounds, including students, graduates, young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, aspiring diplomats and self-taught leaders
🔥 Interests: an interest in leadership, global issues, sustainability, innovation or international cooperation
🗣️ Language: basic English communication ability, and no IELTS or other language certificate is needed
🌱 Experience: no previous international or leadership experience required, and first-time applicants are strongly encouraged
If you are unsure whether you qualify, the organiser encourages you to apply anyway, since every application is reviewed on merit and motivation rather than titles.
How Scholarship Applications Are Selected
Every application is read in full by the OGPS Selection Panel, and selection is based on the strength of your motivation, your potential to contribute and the perspective you bring. Applications are assessed on seven criteria:
🧭 Leadership potential: evidence of initiative, responsibility or the willingness to step forward, in any setting and at any scale
🎯 Motivation and purpose: why you want to attend and what you hope to do with the experience afterwards
✍️ Quality and completeness of application: thoughtful, well-prepared responses that show care and attention to detail
🔗 Interest in the convention themes: a clear connection to one or more of the eight themes
💬 Potential to contribute ideas and perspectives: the distinct voice, viewpoint or lived experience you bring
🤝 Commitment to learning, dialogue and collaboration: readiness to listen, engage across difference and work with others
🌟 Diversity of backgrounds and perspectives: a cohort that reflects a wide range of countries, disciplines and lived experiences
All decisions are made in good faith by the OGPS Selection Panel, and feedback is not provided on individual applications. For help with the written part, read our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter.
Speakers at Past OGPS Conferences
The organiser lists diplomats, policymakers, researchers and changemakers who have spoken to young leaders at OGPS conferences around the world:
🏛️ Sithembile Innocentia Nkosi: Member of the National Assembly, Republic of South Africa
🧑🏫 Ghizlane Akourim: international consultant, trainer and learning facilitator, Morocco
⚖️ Corrine Tucker, M.A.: CEO, Let Them Learn: Empowered Human Rights Hub
🗣️ Diellza Kurteshi: polyglot and advocate for democratic values
🌐 Festina Kurteshi: international relations professional
🔐 Hamid Ali: scholar in international relations and AI security
🔬 Dr. Hayat Haouas: postdoctoral research scientist, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
🔋 Dr. Shahid Mehmood: assistant professor, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
🧪 Reham Shalaan: STEM researcher and founder of the REHUB Initiative
The organiser also invites universities, NGOs and institutions to partner with it, for example by hosting a policy lab, sponsoring scholarships or mentoring delegates' action plans.
How to Apply
🖊️ Use the Apply for YDC 2027 button on the official page to start a scholarship application, or register for a paid seat through the same page
💳 Pay the £11.99 application fee for a scholarship application, which enters you into the merit-based evaluation
⏳ Submit before 20 December 2026
🪑 The 100 Convention Access Passes and 100 Self-Funded seats are guaranteed upon successful payment, while the 100 scholarship seats are awarded through competitive selection
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the Youth Diplomacy Convention 2027?
It takes place at the Holiday Inn Brussels Airport in Brussels, Belgium, from 23 to 26 March 2027, as a four-day in-person convention for 300 delegates.
Is it an Erasmus+ or ESC project?
No. It is an event run by OGPS and is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps, so fees apply.
Who can apply?
Participants of all nationalities and backgrounds aged 17 to 47, including students, graduates, young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and aspiring diplomats. No IELTS and no previous international or leadership experience is required.
What are the participation categories?
There are five: the Fully Funded Scholarship, the Partially Funded Scholarship, the Convention Access Scholarship, the Convention Access Pass and the Self-Funded category. An optional Visa Invitation Letter service is also available.
Does the Fully Funded Scholarship cover airfare?
It includes round-trip airfare support, hotel accommodation, visa support documentation, daily breakfast, meals during programme days, a guided city tour, full access to sessions and activities, delegate materials and a certificate. The Partially Funded Scholarship does not include airfare support.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. Scholarship applications carry an application processing fee of £11.99, which covers confirmation and processing and does not guarantee selection.
What is the difference between the Convention Access Pass and Self-Funded?
The Convention Access Pass (£299 + tax) gives guaranteed participation without accommodation. The Self-Funded category (£549 + tax) adds hotel accommodation to the full convention experience.
Are seats guaranteed?
The 100 Convention Access Passes and 100 Self-Funded seats are guaranteed upon successful payment. The 100 scholarship seats are awarded through a competitive selection process.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. All participating delegates receive an official Certificate of Participation upon completion of the convention.
Is visa support available?
Yes. Participants receive visa support documentation according to their participation category, and an optional Visa Invitation Letter (£69.99 + tax) is also available.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is 20 December 2026. Find more opportunities like this on Youth Works Hub in our Others category.
Deadline
⏳ 20 December 2026
Links
🔗 Official page and application: https://ogps.uk/ydc2027/
📧 Contact: Info@ogps.uk
