Ad Astra
International Youth Forum
24–30 June in Tallinn, Estonia
The Future is Now
at the world’s premier youth leadership event.
Join 700 Young Global Changemakers this June in Tallinn!
Picture yourself in enchanting Tallinn, where centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage architecture meets cutting-edge innovation. Join 700 ambitious students from over 30 countries for a life-changing week that will transform your global perspective.
Learn from world-class leaders and build lasting connections while obtaining essential skills in business, diplomacy, and digital media. Gain practical experience during workshops, engage in dynamic debates, and collaborate with peers who share the same vision.
Experience the perfect blend of medieval charm and digital innovation in Europe's most advanced society, where every cobblestone street tells a story.
Sector 1 | Diplomacy
Learn how to navigate global dynamics, find your confidence through debate, and experience the nuances of international leadership from passionate practitioners.
Sector 2 | Business
From startup innovation to global expansion - you will gain practical experience on how to build ventures that matter today.
Sector 3 | Digital Media
Obtain the skills to transform your ideas into compelling content, build engaged communities, and learn how to harness the power of modern media.
Day 1 - Exploration Day
June in Tallinn means festival vibes with up to 18 hours of daylight, perfect for exploring the city's hidden gems. From trendy Nordic design shops to local food markets, from startup hubs to sandy beaches, Tallinn offers something for every young individual.
Safety and comfort are our top priority. Delegates will be provided with:
A digital city guide with curated routes
Local transportation is free for you for the entirety of the forum
Emergency contacts & Forum staff on call
Recommended meeting points & hubs
List of ongoing city activities
Main stage discussion on Business
Founders’ Insights - Success Stories & Strategic Leadership
Delegate debate session
700 delegates will be divided into smaller groups where they will debate a given topic.
Groups will vote on the best argument and the chosen deleagates will come up on stage for the final round of debate.
Afternoon Workshops
Business
Workshop 1: Business Plan Execution: From Vision to Reality
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Resource allocation and optimization
- Financial modeling and forecasting
- Stakeholder management
- Timeline planning and critical path analysis
- Go-to-market strategy development
Workshop 2: Leveraging Estonian E-Residency for Business and Startup Growth
Diplomacy
Workshop 1 - 2: Public Speaking Training
- Presentabilty
- Body Language Decoding
- Styling
- Effective speech preparation
Digital Media & Marketing
Workshop 1: Social Media Crisis Management
Real-time response strategies
- Brand protection
- Public sentiment analysis
- Damage control tactics
- Rebuilding trust
Workshop 2: Content Strategy & Brand Storytelling
- Narrative building
- Platform optimization
- Audience engagement
- Content calendars
- Analytics interpretation
Main stage discussion on Business
Founders’ Insights - Success Stories & Strategic Leadership
Delegate debate session
700 delegates will be divided into smaller groups where they will debate a given topic.
Groups will vote on the best argument and the chosen deleagates will come up on stage for the final round of debate.
Afternoon Workshops
Business
Workshop 1: Business Plan Execution: From Vision to Reality
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Resource allocation and optimization
- Financial modeling and forecasting
- Stakeholder management
- Timeline planning and critical path analysis
- Go-to-market strategy development
Workshop 2: Leveraging Estonian E-Residency for Business and Startup Growth
Diplomacy
Workshop 1 - 2: Public Speaking Training
- Presentabilty
- Body Language Decoding
- Styling
- Effective speech preparation
Digital Media & Marketing
Workshop 1: Social Media Crisis Management
Real-time response strategies
- Brand protection
- Public sentiment analysis
- Damage control tactics
- Rebuilding trust
Workshop 2: Content Strategy & Brand Storytelling
- Narrative building
- Platform optimization
- Audience engagement
- Content calendars
- Analytics interpretation
Main stage discussion on Diplomacy
Escalation Management in Great Power Politics: Baltic Perspectives
Delegate debate session
All 700 delegates will be divided into smaller groups where they will debate a given topic.
Groups will vote on the best argument and the chosen deleagates will come up on stage for the final round of debate.
Afternoon Workshops
Business
Workshop 1 - 2: Public Speaking Training
- Presentabilty
- Body Language Decoding
- Styling
- Effective speech preparation
Diplomacy
Workshop 1 - 2: Influence & Strategic Psychology in Diplomacy
- Psychological tactics in negotiations
- Information warfare and perception management
- Behavioral analysis and prediction
- Detecting manipulation attempts
- Counter-influence strategies
- Cognitive biases in decision-making
- Strategic ambiguity
Digital Media & Marketing
Workshop 1: Future of Digital Communication
- Emerging platforms
- AI in media
- Privacy considerations
- Innovation trends
- Audience evolution
Main stage discussion on Digital Media
The Ethics of Digital Influence: Power, Responsibility, and Trust
Delegate debate session
700 delegates will be divided into smaller groups where they will debate a given topic.
Groups will vote on the best argument and the chosen deleagates will come up on stage for the final round of debate.
Afternoon Workshops
Business
Workshop 1: Venture Capital & Investment Strategies
- Startup valuation methods
- Investment pitch preparation
- Term sheet negotiation
- Due diligence process
- Exit strategies
- Investor relationship management
- Portfolio diversification
Workshop 2: Global Market Entry
- Local partnership strategies
- Regulatory compliance
- Cultural adaptation strategies
- Supply chain optimization
- Risk mitigation planning
- Competitive positioning
Diplomacy
Workshop 1: Strategic Communication in Crisis
- Rapid response mechanisms
- Media relations
- Message crafting
- Information control
- Public perception management
- Cross-cultural communication sensitivity
- Leadership during uncertainty
Workshop 2: Surprise Topic - June’s Poltical and Socio-Economic Climate
Digital Media & Marketing
Workshop 1 - 2: Digital Media Psychology & Audience Behavior
- Consumer psychology
- Behavioral analytics
- Engagement patterns
- Trend prediction
- Content optimization
The Forum Solution Challenge
The challenge presents 70 teams of 10 with scenarios requiring both commercial, diplomatic, and media insight.
Each team receives a detailed scenario packet outlining a global challenge - perhaps a cross-border business venture complicated by geopolitical tensions, or an international market opportunity hindered by diplomatic hurdles.
Teams will analyze their scenario, develop comprehensive solutions, and present their strategies on a standardized template. The solutions must demonstrate both business viability as well as diplomatic and media sensitivity.
- 700 participants divided into 70 teams of 10
- 10 real-world scenarios combining business, diplomacy and digital media
- Panel of forum judges assesses each and every proposal
- Winning teams will present their solutions in a press-room format
7 Day Delegate Package
Forum access & program materials
7 vibrant days in Medieval Tallinn
6 nights at a premium event hotel
2 delegates per room with separate beds
Daily buffet breakfast & lunch
Unlimited Tallinn public transport card
Daily sunset DJ's at Pirita Beach
Open air Boiler Room-Style closing concert
Forum Goodie Bag
Certificate of Participation
LinkedIn Forum credentials
Digital Forum photobook access
Ad Astra Alumni Network membership
No hidden fees or costs
Total Price:
€1300 including VAT
Includes all accommodation, activities, and meals listed above.
No payment required during application. Selected delegates will receive payment instructions after their application has been reviewed.
It is possible to pay in 3 instalments each in the amount of €433.33. You will be able to select the payment option that suits you when paying.
Comprehensive Forum Agenda
The final schedule will release once delegate applications open. Each educational activity is described thoroughly in the section above.
24 June
Tuesday
Delegates Arrival Day
Forum busses will be making round trips from the airport to the designated hotels throughout the day.
Hotel check-in
Delegates will receive everything necessary for their forum participation during check-in at special counters.
25 June
Wednesday
Hotel Breakfast
Free Day
Wander through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Enjoy the medieval towers, try Estonian street food, chat with other delegates in hip cafes, this day is designed to give you real-world international experience while acquainting yourself with Tallinn. Delegates will addtionally be able to visit Helsinki via a 2 hour ferry cruise on their own accord.
26 June
Thursday
Hotel Breakfast
Opening Ceremony - Main Hall
Delegate Debate Session
Lunch
Workshops
Sunset DJ Set @ Pirita Beach
27 June
Friday
Hotel Breakfast
Guest Speakers
Delegate Debate Session
Lunch
Workshops
Sunset DJ Set @ Pirita Beach
28 June
Saturday
Hotel Breakfast
Guest Speakers
Delegate Debate Session
Lunch
Workshops
Sunset DJ Set @ Pirita Beach
29 June
Sunday
Hotel Breakfast
Forum Solution Challenge
Lunch
Jury Announcements
Closing Ceremony
Closing Concert | SOMMAR x Boiler Room style
Featuring Estonian and international techno artists, this outdoor concert will take place at sundown in the ruins of an old church. Delegates of the forum will enjoy the night together with other residents of Tallinn.
30 June
Monday
Hotel Breakfast
Delegates Departure Day
Forum busses will be making round trips from the hotels to the airport throughout the day.
Partners
Official Airline Partners
Enjoy a reduced rate when flying to Tallinn with one of our officially partnered airlines.
