Background
Palestinian youth face growing challenges in accessing meaningful participation in public life. Many young people feel disconnected from decision-making spaces due to limited engagement channels and weak institutional communication on youth priorities. This gap reduces opportunities for representation and limits youth access to the skills and networks needed to take on leadership roles and contribute to Palestine’s future.
Program Overview
The Young Diplomats Academy (YDA) is a capacity-building programme implemented by Sharek Youth Forum in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. Delivered across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, YDA targets third- and fourth-year university students from Palestinian universities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and exposure needed to become informed advocates and active participants in public life.
What the Programme Delivers
YDA provides structured training that strengthens participants’ leadership and diplomatic competencies, including:
A key feature of the academy is real-world exposure. Participants engage in dialogue with diplomatic figures and decision-makers, including discussions on public policies for integrating youth into decision-making spaces and other priority issues connected to rights, participation, and national identity.
Results and Reach
Across four successful cycles, YDA trained + 150 university students, strengthening their ability to engage with peers and decision-makers and contribute to community development and rights-based advocacy across Palestine.
Paid Internship Opportunities: From Training to Practice
To deepen learning and translate skills into professional experience, the programme also offered paid internship opportunities for 45 outstanding participants. These placements were implemented with partner institutions such as human rights organizations, media outlets, and research institutions, allowing youth to apply what they learned in real work environments and strengthen their professional readiness.
Through these paid internships, participants further developed practical competencies in:
Why It Matters
YDA supports a new generation of young leaders who are better prepared to represent youth priorities, communicate professionally, and engage constructively in public affairs. By combining structured training, high-level dialogue, and paid internships, the programme strengthens youth participation and contributes to more inclusive decision-making and stronger civic leadership across the West Bank and Gaza.
