The Global Strategic Forum (GSF) Membership Policy establishes the principles, eligibility criteria, rights, responsibilities, and procedures governing membership in GSF. It aims to foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative community committed to advancing research, policy dialogue, strategic engagement, and institutional excellence.

Membership is open to individuals whose academic qualifications, professional experience, research interests, or demonstrated contributions align with the mission and objectives of GSF.

• Applicants should normally hold, or be currently pursuing, a Bachelor’s (BS or equivalent), MPhil/MS, or PhD in International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Defence and Strategic Studies, Defence and Diplomatic Studies, Journalism, Mass Communication, or another closely related discipline.
• GSF also welcomes applications from researchers, academics, policymakers, diplomats, government officials, journalists, media professionals, analysts, and other professionals whose expertise aligns with the Forum’s mission.
• Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in international relations, strategic affairs, diplomacy, public policy, security studies, governance, or related fields.
• Applicants are expected to possess strong analytical, research, critical thinking, written communication, and professional collaboration skills, or demonstrate the potential to develop these competencies through active participation in GSF programmes.
• GSF reserves the right to consider exceptional applicants from other academic or professional backgrounds whose qualifications or experience align with its mission and objectives.

Applicants must complete the official GSF Membership Application and provide all required information and supporting documents.

GSF reserves the right to request additional information, supporting documentation, or professional references where considered necessary.

Submission of a membership application does not guarantee membership.

All membership applications are reviewed on merit, taking into consideration the applicant’s academic qualifications, professional background, relevant experience, achievements, research interests, and alignment with GSF’s mission and values.

Where considered necessary, GSF may conduct additional assessments, interviews, credential verification, or request further supporting documentation.

Only applicants who successfully satisfy the membership requirements shall be admitted as members of GSF.

The decision of the Global Strategic Forum (GSF) regarding membership approval shall be final.

Approved members may be granted Verified Member status upon the successful verification of their identity and/or academic or professional credentials.

Verification may include the review of supporting documents, institutional affiliations, professional qualifications, publications, and, where considered necessary, one or more professional references or letters of recommendation.

Upon successful verification, GSF may create an official Verified Member Profile within the GSF Members’ Directory.

Where applicable, the profile may include a unique QR code to facilitate profile verification through the official GSF website.

Verified Member status confirms that a member’s identity and/or academic or professional credentials have been verified by GSF. It does not constitute an endorsement, accreditation, certification, or guarantee of professional competence.

Approved members may be eligible to:

• Participate in GSF research, publications, projects, conferences, workshops, events, and other institutional initiatives.
• Submit research papers, policy briefs, articles, book reviews, and opinion pieces for editorial consideration.
• Be featured in the official GSF Members’ Directory.
• Receive official announcements, opportunities, and programme updates.
• Access member-exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and institutional benefits, where applicable.
• Receive an official Verified Member Profile with Active status upon successful verification.
• Receive a unique QR code linked to their official GSF member profile, where applicable.
• Request recommendation letters, professional references, certificates, or other forms of institutional support, subject to GSF’s policies and discretion.
• Participate in future GSF programmes, collaborations, leadership opportunities, and strategic initiatives, subject to eligibility and institutional requirements.

Members are expected to:

• Uphold the mission, values, and objectives of GSF.
• Comply with the Membership Policy, Code of Conduct, Terms & Conditions, and all other applicable GSF policies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date membership information.
• Conduct themselves professionally and ethically in all GSF activities.
• Respect and protect the reputation, integrity, branding, and intellectual property of GSF.
• Contribute to GSF’s mission and institutional activities in accordance with their availability, expertise, and professional commitments.

GSF collects, processes, stores, and manages personal information solely for membership administration, institutional operations, programme management, verification, and other legitimate organizational purposes.

Approved profile information may be published on official GSF platforms, including the GSF Members’ Directory, where the member has provided the necessary consent.

GSF implements reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or loss.

Members may request the correction or updating of their personal information through GSF’s official communication channels.

GSF may retain membership records where reasonably necessary to comply with legal, regulatory, administrative, or institutional requirements.

GSF reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership where a member:

• Fails to comply with GSF’s governing policies.
• Provides false, misleading, or fraudulent information.
• Misuses the name, logo, branding, publications, digital platforms, membership status, or any other intellectual property of GSF.
• Engages in conduct that is inconsistent with GSF’s mission, values, objectives, or institutional standards.

GSF reserves the right to amend this Membership Policy at any time.

Any amendments shall become effective upon publication on the official GSF website unless otherwise specified.

For questions regarding this Membership Policy, please contact the Global Strategic Forum (GSF) through its official website or authorized communication channels.