Young Diabetes Leaders from IDF Are Not Just the Future – They Are the Power of the Present, Boldly Shaping the Change We Wish to See in the World. Their dedication and empathy inspire everyone to believe in themselves and their dreams. With every challenge they overcome, they prove that true leadership begins with the heart.
This is a report from our educational gathering during the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Bangkok 🙂
Monday – A Day of Connection, Inspiration, and Opening
The first official day of the conference kicked off on Monday, April 7, 2025. Excitement and positive energy were at their peak. After breakfast and transportation from the hotel to BITEC, participants registered and began the day with light stretching. The event opened with welcome remarks and safety instructions, followed by a dynamic ice-breaking activity that helped young leaders form their first connections.
This was followed by a formal welcome from IDF and YLD, and then an inspiring presentation about what YLD truly represents, seen from the perspective of a mentor. A briefing for the opening ceremony and a tour of the main congress hall came next.
After lunch and a short break, participants worked on enhancing their storytelling skills – a key advocacy tool. The discussion then expanded to innovations and research in the field of diabetes. The afternoon continued with presentations of global diabetes initiatives such as YOUth and Panorama, followed by a group photo in traditional national costumes and a final briefing for the evening event.
The day concluded with participation in the official opening of the Congress, an evening reception, and a group dinner at "Best Beef on Nut" – a perfect opportunity for informal networking.
Tuesday – A Day of Advocacy and Emotional Intelligence
The second day began with a discussion on the meaning of advocacy – what it is and what it is not. Participants then worked in groups to simulate collaboration with policymakers responsible for national health policies.
Next came a detailed presentation on the WHO Global Diabetes Compact and the goals to be achieved, along with data analysis using the IDF Diabetes Index. These sessions demonstrated the importance of data as a tool for effective advocacy.
After the lunch break, discussions focused on the insulin market framework and access to therapy, as well as the emotional impact of diabetes and coping mechanisms. In the afternoon, the KiDS program (Kids and Diabetes in Schools) was presented, along with advocacy data shared by Dexcom. The day concluded with a session on coordinated advocacy for type 1 diabetes (T1D), initiated by Circle of Voices and Sanofi.
The evening was reserved for relaxation and dinner at the hotel, with continued informal socializing.
Wednesday – A Day of Ideas, Projects, and Public Speaking
The third day was dedicated to concrete project work. Participants focused on planning projects, analyzing task lists, and defining goals. Group work emphasized developing project skills and refining ideas.
This was followed by a session on project grant applications, with support from the World Diabetes Foundation – extremely useful for those wishing to bring their ideas to life.
The afternoon focused on improving email communication skills and preparing a short elevator pitch – practical exercises to help participants effectively communicate their message in just a few minutes.
Later, Sanofi presented their T1D-focused projects, and the day ended with a surprise at the entrance – a creative and interactive activity that brought participants even closer.
The evening was festive – with a celebration of the anniversary of the Global Diabetes Compact, dinner, and time for unwinding and enjoyment.
Thursday – Reflections and New Horizons
The final day of the conference began with the practical application of newly acquired knowledge through the KiDS program. This was followed by the graduation ceremony for the YLD 2022–2024 group – an emotional moment for everyone who had gone through such a transformative journey over the past two years.
Next came a discussion on the future of the YLD program and ideas for its further development. A session on media engagement followed – a vital topic for raising awareness about diabetes and amplifying the voices of young advocates.
After lunch, participants explored ways to enhance their digital presence and shared key takeaways from the week. The conference concluded with a visit from the IDF President and Board members, and a final closing ceremony.
Report written by:
Martin Nikolov, Chief Operating Officer of the Union of Diabetes Associations of North Macedonia, Member of the latest generation of Young Diabetes Leaders of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
