Youth to Shape the Global Diplomacy Narrative of the Future

Young people from 16 countries gathered at the international forum ‘Humana Youth Diplomacy Platform’ to discuss the future of global diplomacy from the perspective of the new generation. The forum, which serves as a venue for discussion and workshops, highlights a shift in the paradigm of traditional diplomacy toward a more inclusive, humanitarian-based approach.

The forum’s initiator and President of the Global Youth Diplomacy Community in Turkey, Naufal Ubaidillah, emphasised that young people have a strategic role as carriers of values and shapers of the world’s narrative. ‘Youth have a powerful role in shaping the world’s narrative. We are a bridge between the past, the present and the future. The narratives we must carry are diplomacy that listens more and is more open to differences,’ said Naufal, who also serves as Chairman of PPI Turkey, in a statement on Friday, 6 March 2026.

Naufal, who is also the Chairman of the Terdepan Institute, added that future diplomacy would no longer be confined to rigid formal negotiation spaces. According to him, cultural mediums such as film, books, art, and other creative platforms are now vital instruments for reaching broad segments of society organically.

The event drew participants from diverse national backgrounds, including Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, as well as Egypt and Ethiopia.

In a masterclass session, Humana Diplomacy founder Martina Pavone outlined a significant shift in the paradigm of global diplomacy. She stressed that traditional diplomacy, which is reactive and institutional, must evolve into regenerative diplomacy.

In addition to theoretical discussions, the forum divided participants into four working groups addressing issues of language polarisation, trust in institutions, the role of youth in global diplomacy, and cultural identity.

Participants did not only exchange views but also designed collaborative project plans expected to become tangible initiatives in the future. The forum is expected to strengthen cross-cultural networks to create a world that is more peaceful and sustainable through youth leadership.