Top 99 Under 33 Foreign Policy Leaders!

In 2011, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) and The Diplomatic Courier  jointly launched the first ever “Top 99 Under 33 Foreign Policy Leaders,” a special project that captures the extraordinary impact that 99 diverse Millennials under the age of 33 are making on international affairs. The list and individual profiles of the Top 99 Under 33 offer insight into the creativity, determination, and passion of the young people who are already tackling the world's critical global challenges.
 
The call for nominations for the 2012 list of Top 99 Under 33 is now open.  To nominate yourself or another person, please complete the form by April 12.
 
This year’s list of honorees will be a part of a growing community of influential and accomplished young leaders who are shaping foreign policy today.  The Top 99 Under 33 Leaders will be profiled in the fall print and online editions of the Diplomatic Courier, on the YPFP website, and in a series of events throughout the year, including Summit-99.
 
Nominees must have made a clear impact on foreign policy and be recognized as a rising leader.  All nominees must be:

  • Born on or after January 1, 1979
  • Demonstrate a passion for foreign policy and international affairs
  • Demonstrate a commitment to service, mentorship, and ethical leadership
  • Be willing to participate in the “99 Under 33” community

 
Each nominee will be evaluated based on how well she or he matches any of these seven types of global leader:

  • The influencer: someone who has influenced foreign policy with bold new ideas
  • The innovator: someone who has designed a new solution to a critical global challenge
  • The convener: someone who has brought people together in creative ways to address a pressing international issue or enhance the foreign policy community
  • The risk-taker: someone who has taken a chance and seen it pay off
  • The practitioner: someone who has changed foreign policy from the inside through extraordinary professionalism and skill
  • The shaper: someone who has changed the public discourse on an aspect of foreign policy or raised awareness on a critical issue
  • The catalyst: someone from a field not typically associated with foreign policy who has had an impact on international affairs

 
To nominate yourself or another person visit the nomination page no later than April 12, 2012 by 7:00 p.m. EST.  You may nominate a total of three people, including yourself.   Your nomination should be sure to address the candidate’s foreign policy experience, intellectual abilities, leadership experience, and unique impact.  Please enter all information requested. Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered.
 
After reviewing all nominations and applications, the Top 99 will be selected by a committee composed of members of last year’s Top 99 Under 33, and leaders from the Diplomatic Courier and YPFP.
 
The young leaders who are featured in the list will also be invited to the first annual Summit-99, a global conference connecting members of the Top 99 Under 33 from around the world. It will include an intimate reception honoring the Top 99, and will be followed by other engagements and opportunities throughout the year to ensure that the next class of Top 99 creates a legacy for their peers and the next generation of leaders.
 
The Top 99 Under 33 List is an important reflection of the remarkable impact of the millennial generation on today’s toughest global challenges. It is an honor for us to get to know these remarkable people and to tell the story of their accomplishments. We hope to hear from you!
 
Sincerely,
Ana C. Rold & Josh Marcuse
Top 99 Under 33 Co-Chairs
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Foreign Policy is a broad category; what kind of people should be nominated?
A: We are particularly interested in selecting individuals who have made an impact in the following communities:

  • Diplomacy
  • Academia and Research
  • Government Affairs (Legislative, Executive, Military, Government Agencies)
  • International Organizations
  • Non-profit sector
  • Media, Communications, and Information Technology (including Social Media)
  • Private Sector
  • Social Enterprise

 
Q: Who decides who is selected for the list?
A: The selection committee is made up of leaders who have appeared on previous Top 99 Under 33 lists, the leadership of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, and the editors of the Diplomatic Courier. The list is determined by the consensus of the committee to ensure balance and representation of the diversity of young people in the community and that everyone selected brings something exceptional and unique to the list.
 
Q: What happens if I am selected?
A:  Those selected will be asked to complete a short interview questionnaire that the Diplomatic Courier will use to describe you and your achievements. You will be asked to send a picture. Nine members who represent the breadth of the list will be invited to participate in a photo shoot in Washington, DC and will be featured on the Fall 2012 Cover of the Diplomatic Courier. All members of the list and last year’s list will be invited to join the 99 Under 33 community, and will be invited to a wide range of special events with YPFP and the Diplomatic Courier, including the 99-Summit.
 
For more information or other questions please contact us at info@diplomaticourier.org or at info@ypfp.org.