The 2026 Summer School for Young Diplomats, held from 27–29 August 2026 in Naivasha, Kenya, brings together 25 early-career diplomats and policy professionals from government, diplomatic missions, academia, civil society and the private sector.

Organised by the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), the three-day programme explores how emerging diplomatic leaders can navigate a changing international system and strengthen cooperation through negotiation, mediation, policy analysis, strategic communication and cross-cultural dialogue. Under the theme “Building Bridges and Shaping Cooperation,” the programme aims to equip participants with practical skills and perspectives to address contemporary geopolitical challenges and advance international cooperation.

Representing the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), Arinolah E-N Omollo from the IEP Nairobi Office will participate as a session facilitator, leading Policy Lab II: “Measuring What Matters: Building Indices for Diplomacy, Peace and Development.” The session will explore how credible data and indices, including the Global Peace Index and Positive Peace metrics, can inform diplomatic and policy decision-making and support more effective peacebuilding. The session reflects a core IEP conviction: that sound evidence is what turns good intentions into effective peacebuilding.