Between April 10-13, fifteen students passionate about international relations and sustainability came together to organize the sixth edition of the project Young Ambassadors Forum. YAF is an international initiative by the VIP organization, created to address today’s global challenges. Under the theme “Environmental Diplomacy: Navigating Global Green Policies,” the 2025 edition aimed to tackle an issue that is becoming increasingly present in our lives. Over four days, 40 young people, including 10 international students, explored how political decisions can shape the future of our planet.
What does the fight for sustainability look like at the highest level?
Participants engaged in trainings and workshops on public environmental policies, climate finance, renewable energy, and political strategies. These sessions were complemented by panel discussions on the influence of mass media on climate change perception and the crucial role of young people in shaping a greener future.
“I think YAF 2025 was amazing. I met new people, gained different perspectives, and took part in extremely useful workshops,” said one participant, capturing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Among the speakers who inspired participants were: Ana-Maria Todoran, Ambassador of the European Climate Pact; Valentina Ciobanu, Co-founder of Pentru Tineri; Elena Miron, Founder of the Youth Platform for Sustainability; and Mihnea Matache from Greenpeace Romania.
The event concluded with the drafting of the resolution: “The World We Envision,” an official document proposing concrete solutions to the issues discussed. This exercise allowed participants to put theory into practice and contribute with actionable ideas in this complex field.
“I am grateful that I met so many inspiring people. This experience truly left me optimistic for the future,” shared another participant, reflecting on the impact of YAF.
In addition, the Diplomatic Reception brought together students and representatives from 13 countries in Romania, offering a unique opportunity to engage with experts and diplomats in a prestigious setting.
“For me, it was a wonderful experience to meet other young people eager for change from different places and backgrounds. I felt that I developed valuable connections,” said another participant, emphasizing the multicultural dimension and networking opportunities the project provided.
Young Ambassadors Forum demonstrates that youth engagement is not just an ideal but a powerful force for change. Our voice matters, and YAF participants have shown that the future is taking shape now—and it starts with us. Numerous initiatives are on the horizon, and young people will continue to turn their commitment into action.
