Empowering Youthwork for the Green Debate at the University of Extremadura

Debating Climate Preparedness

The central motion of the tournament asked:

“Are European countries adequately prepared to respond to the natural disasters that may occur in the future as a result of climate change?”

This theme directly tied into the project’s goal of equipping young people with the tools to debate the pressing environmental challenges of our time. With 46 university teams and 276 participants involved, including 164 women and 112 men, the tournament showcased the growing engagement of young Europeans in climate-focused debates and the strength of debate as a method for youth empowerment and climate literacy

Academic and Civic Significance

The final round took place in the Plenary Hall of the Assembly of Extremadura in Mérida, a symbolic venue reinforcing the educational and civic mission of the project. The presence of university and government representatives underscored the event’s role in promoting critical thinking, democratic values, and public dialogue

Participants prepared arguments for both sides of the motion, learning not only to articulate their positions but also to respect and understand opposing perspectives. The winning team, “La Banda del Patio,” and the Best Speaker, Antonio Jiménez Manzano, were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

A Platform for Youth and the Green Debate

This event highlighted the importance of debate as a tool for shaping the leaders of tomorrow. By engaging students in climate-related motions, the tournament directly advanced the mission of Empowering Youthwork for the Green Debate enabling young people to think critically, express themselves persuasively, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainability dialogue across Europe.