About Us
Mission & History
Preparing and giving voice to the next generation of global leaders.
Foundational Mission
GAP is founded on the belief that students are indispensable voices in shaping both the present and future of global affairs. In a world marked by rapid change and enduring challenges, young perspectives are more vital than ever. Situated on its twin pillars of intellectual inquiry and pre-professional support, GAP seeks to prepare and give voice to the next generation of diplomats and global leaders.
How GAP was founded
The story of the Global Affairs Program began with a coffee shared by two college roommates in a cafe in Istanbul. Among the many things they discussed, one stood out as something that would change the rest of their Harvard experience: the need for a program within the IOP dedicated solely to international relations and global affairs.
With this goal, GAP was founded in 2024, and over its first semesters it grew from a small coalition into an official IOP program. Today GAP hosts a mentorship program, a weekly newsletter with 2,500+ subscribers, and nearly 20 events per semester, all organized by a team of students from around the world.
Our pillars & community
Intellectual inquiry includes writing and publishing research, and planning, participating in and moderating events — Diplomatic Dialogues and The World Stage.
Pre-professional support includes career events, mentorship, dinners, professional travel and workshops.
GAP is built around a strong community. We welcome students from all over the world and view diversity in thought and background as key to the program’s success.
Speaker series & programming
GAP is centered around two speaker series. Diplomatic Dialogues brings former and current ambassadors and diplomats into high-level discussions to share their experiences and insights on current politics.
The World Stage connects students with regional experts through roundtable conversations to broaden perspectives and discuss recent developments in global affairs.
Careers & member experience
Committed to helping students navigate careers in diplomacy and international relations, GAP hosts career events, workshops and travel with consulates and embassies, while connecting members with experts through our mentorship program.
Members work in small teams led by student directors to plan events, moderate discussions and write in-depth papers, all while gaining mentorship from leaders in global affairs.
By the Numbers
GAP this year
events hosted this semester
distinguished global speakers engaged
attendees across programs
newsletter subscribers
Yearly UN trip
As part of our pre-professional pillar, GAP organizes a yearly trip to the United Nations, giving members the opportunity to engage with international institutions and broaden their understanding of global governance and diplomacy.
The GAP Colloquium
Each semester culminates in the GAP Colloquium, where regional teams present their Global Affairs Review research to mentors and partnering centers, engage with leading scholars and build meaningful professional connections.
Each paper is published in our end-of-semester Global Affairs Review and through partnering centers.
