The IYLC is a recognised academic programme for college and university students majoring mainly in political science, international relations, mass media and law. The IYLC is an intensive 5-day programme that equips participants with critical skills and knowledge through dialectical methods, as well as academic, practical and cultural activities.

The structure of the IYLC course is as follows:
      In-Class Work: 25 hrs
      Practical Activities: 20 hrs
      Pre-Conference Research: 20 hrs

In-Class Work

The in-class activities during the IYLC are designed in a form of simulations and follow the following pattern:
- The objectives of the simulation are identified and set
- The simulation roles are outlined and distributed
- The agenda for the simulation is set
- The case for the simulation is examined
- The proceedings for the simulation are laid out
- The simulation is carried out

The simulations during the IYLC reproduce the following international organisations and their functions:
- United Nations Security Council Simulation:
the participants imitate the Emergency Meeting of the UN Security Council to tackle an urgent
matter of threat to international security;

- International Criminal Court Simulation:
the participants take part in a mock trial that is taking place in the ICC pre-trial chamber to
investigate whether there is sufficient evidence and jurisdiction to proceed with the trial;

- European Parliament Simulation:
the participants assume a position in a political party to introduce amendments to a European
Directive.

Practical Activities

The practical activities during the IYLC include:
- Speeches
- Site visits
- Panel discussions
- Cultural activities

Speeches by leading European and Czech professionals touch upon the current state of world leadership and the complexity of contemporary global challenges. These speeches equip the participants with a different perspective on issues facing the humanity today and offer insights into these issues as seen by the experts in the field.

Visits to foreign embassies and government agencies of the Czech Republic offer an opportunity to meet diplomats, government officials and politicians and to expose the participants to the “reality” of these vocations. These visits provide for useful first-hand experiences, contributing to a better understanding of the careers chosen by the participants.

Panel discussions engage the participants in a dialogue with various professionals, who while sharing their experiences and opinions, contribute to a better understanding of the issues at hand, including Responsible Leadership, Leadership and Gender, and Mass Media in Conflicts.

Cultural activities are designed to illustrate the diversity of our world and to promote better understanding of cultures and traditions. These activities expose participants to the cultural heritage of various peoples that they might not have otherwise experienced.

Pre-Conference Research

The research is carried out by the participants in two stages:
- Background research is integral in composing the application essays. This encompasses two
large subject areas: UN Global Compact and WFUNA Millennium Project;
- Pre-conference reading is prerequisite for a successful completion of the course. This includes
the statutory documents of the simulated organisations, as well as analytical articles and reports on
the issues at hand.

Subject Areas

International Security & Global Politics: In this module, the IYLC will explore the role of the United Nations Security Council in eliminating the threats to international security posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy,
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
- nuclear safeguard systems, including International Atomic Energy Agency,
- nuclear-weapon states, non-nuclear weapon states, and Nuclear-Weapon-Free zones,
- effectiveness of existing models in combating threats to international security stemmed from non-
compliance to international non-proliferation treaties.

Environmental Security & Sustainability: In this module, the IYLC will touch upon critical environmental issues of concern to global community. In particular, it will address the existing practical and legislative schemes for combating, reducing and preventing the consequences of climate change. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- economic stability vs. environmental sustainability,
- priorities of the European environmental agenda,
- greenhouse gas emission trading,
- green politics and green economy,
- challenges in adopting and enforcing environmental policies.

International Relations & Diplomacy: In this module, the IYLC will address the complexity of contemporary international relations on a changing geopolitical arena. It will explore the challenges facing diplomats in the present-day framework, where national interests contradict with international priorities and commitments. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- differences between the theory and practice of diplomacy and diplomatic service,
- priorities and challenges of present-day diplomacy,
- achievements and failures of diplomacy in maintaining peace and security,
- role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.

International Justice: In this module, the IYLC will review the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the case of Germain Katanga on trial at the International Criminal Court. It will address the intricacies of ensuring world-wide justice employing globalized concepts of law, fairness and human rights. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- ad hoc and institutionalised international tribunals and courts,
- legal understanding of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide,
- “universality” of human rights,
- globalization of law and justice, and international jurisdiction,
- procedures of international justice.

Responsible Leadership: In this module, the IYLC will address the ethical principles of leadership in various settings, including business, politics, public administration and non-governmental sector. It will attempt to demonstrate the difficulties in balancing social and environmental responsibility with economic needs and requirements. In this context, the participants will learn about:

- definition and practice of responsible leadership,
- socially responsible, sustainable and ethical leadership,
- economics of responsibility,
- responsibility criteria in business, government and environment.