Diplomat for a Day
The Diplomat for a Day competition is a joint initiative by the British, Canadian, Australian, Dutch and New Zealand embassies in Belgium. It encourages young women and girls to become leaders and advocates for change, including through mentorship opportunities.
Winners will be invited to spend a day at the embassies in Brussels on 3 March 2026, shadowing senior leaders and learning about the work of a diplomat. You will also take part in a discussion with business and civil society on the importance of equality for women and girls. The embassies will cover travel costs within Brussels, and one night’s accommodation in certain situations and if certain criteria are met – see terms and conditions.
Why you should enter this competition
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore half its potential. Today, there are too few women in international diplomacy, including women from under-represented backgrounds, whether ethnic, religious, economic, cultural, or personal identity. Despite making progress, women are still not represented at parity in political and business sectors.
To end this underrepresentation, we must ensure equality of opportunity and equitable outcomes for everyone. This is why we, the UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand, are working towards achieving equality for women and girls around the world.
Who can enter
You can enter this competition if you
- are a female Belgian citizen (or a Belgian dual national), and currently reside in Belgium
- are enrolled in high school
- are between 16 and 19 years old, or will turn 16 in 2026
How to enter
To enter, you must answer the following question
“Why do you think equal rights are important and what actions would you carry out, or have already carried out, to achieve and/or promote equal rights?”
You must also fill in the Diplomat for a Day application form and email it to [email protected]
Apply for the competition by emailing your completed application form and your video or essay by 31 January 2026.
You should also read the terms and conditions for Diplomat for a Day 2026 before you enter
Your video or essay can be in Dutch, English, French or German. However, we encourage you to submit your video or essay in English, as communication during the day will largely be in English.
Timings
Key dates for the competition are as follows
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competition opens 6 January 2026
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deadline for applications 31 January 2026
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winners announced 9 February 2026
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winners to shadow at the embassies 3 March 2026
Tips for the application
- be specific highlight concrete actions you have taken, no matter how small, or clear plans you have for promoting equal rights. Connect your response to your future ambitions or past experiences
- stick to the limits ensure your video is 2 minutes maximum or your letter is 300 words maximum
- be clear use concise and impactful language in your writing or speech
- show your motivation clearly articulate why equal rights matter to you and what drives your passion
- languages while we encourage applications in English, submissions in Belgium’s 3 national languages are also welcome
