The British, Canadian, Australian, Dutch and New Zealand embassies in Belgium invite female Belgian high-school students aged 16 to 19, to enter a competition to become a diplomat for a day in 2026.
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 gender equality. 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 gender equality 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; and
- 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?”
- upload your video, via a file sharing platform such as WeTransfer, to diplomatforadaybelgium@gmail.com. The video should be a maximum of 2 minutes and filmed in landscape mode, or
- send your essay to diplomatforadaybelgium@gmail.com. It should be a maximum of 300 words.
You must also fill in the Diplomat for a Day application form 2026 and email it to diplomatforadaybelgium@gmail.com.
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 Diplomat for a Day 2026 before you enter.
