Young Diplomats Program (YDP)
Welcome to the Young Diplomats Program website.
The Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences is delighted to be re-introducing the Young Diplomats Program (YDP) to schools in northern Queensland. First introduced in the 1990s through a partnership between the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Education Queensland and JCU, YDP is a showcase for young people who are keen students of world affairs through their studies in society and culture at school. Teams of Year 9 and 10 students from local schools test their research and diplomatic skills in a mock United Nations Forum where they are judged by diplomats from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a teacher and a representative of the University.
Teachers work with JCU lecturers in political science and history with input from DFAT to choose a current issue of major concern on the international stage for students to research. Each school is assigned a country which they will represent. Weeks of research go into investigating the critical factors and the position of each nation on the topic of concern. Then there's the preparation of speeches and tactics to be taken by the diplomatic team. The final product is truly amazing. The level of knowledge which students gain about world affairs and the interplay between nations is outstanding and the degree of wit and passion with which they represent their nation's viewpoint is inspirational.
YDP is a wonderful initiative which brings to life major world issues that students care about. It gives them the opportunity to learn about the complexity of world affairs and how the interests of many must be balanced when making major decisions that affect the planet. It allows them to develop a sense of empathy with another country and group of people whom they may never have had considered previously or about whom they may have simply taken a stereotyped view.
YDP broadens young people's perspectives. It opens their eyes to the world and introduces them to the excitement and seriousness of world affairs. it does so in a supportive and encouraging environment, where the Day of Diplomacy, although a competition, is an exciting learning event. I wouldn't miss the Day of Diplomacy. It's a great day and a wonderful display of the sophisticated understanding and genuine passion of youth for what is happening in the world around them. It shows they want to, and can, make a real and worthwhile contribution.
Janet Greeley
Pro-Vice Chancellor
Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences