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YPFP is a global community of young professionals dedicated to shaping the future of foreign policy through leadership development, thought-provoking dialogue, and meaningful connection.
We do this by providing YPFP members with capacity building programs, engaging events, and a global community of peers.
Our History
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) is an independent international organization that engages, builds, and amplifies an international community of young, dynamic, diverse leaders from all sectors of international affairs, to accelerate their impact on critical global challenges.
Since its inception in 2004, YPFP has forged an international community of over 20,000 professionals from 80 countries who are passionate about working together to produce innovative solutions. Currently, there are YPFP branches in DC, New York, Brussels, London, and Tokyo, however, members do not have to reside in those cities to participate. Check out our programs so learn more about the opportunities we offer.
YPFP knows that building a better tomorrow starts with the young leaders we equip today; meaning, they must develop knowledge, skills, and networks now to forge new solutions to critical problems. YPFP’s programming and events are just one of the ways we unite and equip our members with tools to address our changing international climate.
YPFP works to build the next generation of diverse foreign policy leaders. We do this by providing YPFP members with capacity building programs, engaging events, a global community of peers, and opportunities to elevate their voices through writing and publication.
"YPFP gave me a platform to engage with global policy issues and connect with a network of passionate professionals from around the world. It’s more than a community—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of leaders."
- Name of YPFP Branch Member, Job Position, Joined in '13
YPFP by the Numbers
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3000+ Active Global Members
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100+ Events Every Year
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7 Countries and Beyond
YPFP has active branches in the U.S., UK, Belgium, Japan, Canada, and a Virtual Branch to engage members worldwide
100+ Voices Heard on Charged Affairs
Charged Affairs is YPFP’s premier publication platform, amplifying the ideas and analyses of young professionals in foreign policy. With over 100 articles authored by Rising Experts and YPFP members, it serves as a space for emerging voices to influence global conversations.
Hundreds of Partners
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20 Year Legacy
Since 2004, from its founding in Washington, D.C. to becoming a global network, YPFP continues to shape the next generation of foreign policy leaders.
WHO WE'VE WORKED WITH
7 Countries and Beyond
100+ Voices Heard on Charged Affairs
100+ Events Every Year
3000+
Global
Members
Global Reach.
Measurable Impact.
3000+
Global
Members
WHO WE'VE WORKED WITH
7 Countries and Beyond
100+ Voices Heard on Charged Affairs
100+ Events Every Year
Global Reach.
Measurable Impact.
FAQs
YPFP is open to early and mid-career professionals, students, and recent graduates with an interest in international affairs. While many members work in foreign policy, others come from related sectors like law, journalism, development, and technology. All are welcome—no professional background or location is required.
Membership includes access to exclusive events, writing and publishing opportunities, career development workshops, global networking, and leadership roles. You’ll also be eligible for programs like the Rising Experts and Y7/Y20 delegations, and receive discounts on select events and services.
Yes. General membership is $25 per year, with discounted or free options available for students and volunteers. The cost supports YPFP’s programming and ensures continued access to high-quality events and resources. We’re committed to keeping membership accessible to all.
Yes. General membership is $25 per year, with discounted or free options available for students and volunteers. The cost supports YPFP’s programming and ensures continued access to high-quality events and resources. We’re committed to keeping membership accessible to all.
Members can apply to volunteer in a variety of roles—from branch leadership to communications, events, and publications. You can also write for Charged Affairs, join the Rising Experts Program, or lead a discussion group. It’s a community where your initiative shapes your experience.
Meet the Board
Joined In:
2006
I studied international affairs but wasn't (yet) using those skills in my day job. YPFP was how I met "my people" in DC and learned about how diplomacy, development, and defense play out in the real world. Whether it was welcoming Iraqi refugees to DC, hearing from Israeli diplomats about deterring Syria, or plotting a date auction fundraiser at 10 PM on a Tuesday, YPFP is how I made lifelong friends, built a career in government technology, and found my footing as a professional in DC.
Meet the Executive Team
Guides the overall strategic direction of YPFP
Gabrielle Sigler is a tech-policy and national security professional at EqualAI, promoting responsible AI. She is President of YPFP and a former Biden Administration appointee at DHS, focusing on global affairs and empowering the next generation of policy leaders.
