2026 Career & Mentorship Forum

Diplomacy, once perceived as the exclusive domain of seasoned statesmen and career diplomats, is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The complexity of contemporary global challenges ranging from climate change, migration, and cybersecurity to peacebuilding and international trade demands more inclusive, innovative, and adaptive approaches. In this rapidly evolving landscape, youth are increasingly recognized as essential actors in shaping the future of diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation.

Despite their demographic significance, energy, and innovative potential, young people frequently remain excluded from substantive decision-making processes. Their involvement is often confined to tokenistic, youth-specific initiatives that operate parallel to, rather than within, mainstream diplomatic practice. This marginalization is exacerbated by significant gaps in the development of, and exposure to, the practical skill and competencies required for effective engagement in contemporary diplomacy.

Furthermore, a persistent perception limits awareness of diplomatic careers to traditional pathways, primarily through Ministries of Foreign Affairs. This overlooks the expanding ecosystem of diplomatic practice, which includes multilateral organizations, think tanks, civil society, media, corporate international relations, and digital platforms. The failure to integrate youth effectively into this broader landscape risks creating a generational disconnect, undermining the development of a robust talent pipeline and, consequently, Kenya's future diplomatic effectiveness and influence.

The 2026 Career and Mentorship Forum, themed “Youth in Diplomacy: Creating Pathways for Sustainable Inclusion,” is designed to address these systemic gaps. It will provide a structured, practical, and forward-looking platform for direct engagement between emerging professionals and experienced practitioners in diplomacy and global affairs.

This Forum will function as a capacity-building and orientation space. It aims to equip students of International Relations and early-career practitioners with a clear understanding of the requisite skills, ethical foundations, and diverse professional pathways in modern diplomacy. It will deliberately expose participants to both traditional and non-traditional arenas of diplomatic engagement.

Catholic University of Eastern Africa,
E Rd, Nairobi