Debate Exchange 2024: Week of learning and collaboration in Warsaw

The IDEA Debate Exchange 2024 has officially kicked off in Warsaw, with 60 participants from 21 countries gathering to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions aimed at advancing debate and the impact of debate organizations worldwide. Our sincere gratitude goes to our member Polska Debatuje for hosting this year's exchange.

The event began on August 25th, with participants arriving and settling into Warsaw. The opening day on August 26th featured the IDEA General Assembly, where key decisions and plans for the future were discussed. This set the tone for the week, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning.

This year’s program is packed with various workshops and panel discussions, all designed to promote professional growth, organizational development, and the increased quality of debate-based youth work. Topics of workshops range from effective questioning techniques and project writing to debating topics related to the economy and organizing and running regional leagues.
 

In addition to workshops, we are also holding panel discussions, offering a platform for participants to explore complex issues such as the integration of debate in school systems, advocacy for debate, ethical challenges in debate, engaging youth in the political process, and effective volunteering. These discussions are expected to be instrumental in broadening perspectives, deepening the collective understanding of challenges and opportunities within the debate community, and making debate activities more inclusive and accessible.

Every day of the exchange is connected to specific topic that is explored in more detail:

• Engaging youth in political processes through debate
• Advocacy for better positioning and visibility of debate
• Integration of debate in school systems
• Effective volunteer management
• Ethical challenges

The IDEA Debate Exchange is more than just a series of workshops and discussions; it’s a great opportunity for participants to network, share ideas, and build lasting connections. The atmosphere is one of friendship and mutual support, as participants work together to enhance the quality and reach of debate education globally, ensuring it becomes an inclusive tool for empowering youth.