IDEA Debate Exchange 2026: This time in Brno

The programme covered a wide range of topics in six workshop slots, where participants shared their knowledge from their debate organisations alongside how they shape democracy in their countries. Sessions ranged from organisational development and fundraising to inclusion and youth work, teaching methodology, legal frameworks for safeguarding, and online debate formats. This reflected the diversity of the debate community itself, participants' experience with youth work, and their knowledge from their own areas of expertise.

This year's Debate Exchange edition took place in Brno and gave participants a chance to explore the Czech Republic's second largest city. The city, known for its rich history and lively culture, provided the space for a week of packed programme, cultural and knowledge exchange.

A new part of this year's programme was the Specialised Track Sessions, where participants chose one of three tracks to deepen their knowledge. This year we covered three of the most important parts of youth work in debate organisations:

• Running a Debate Organisation
• Grant Writing
• Debate Methodology

Compared to regular workshops, each track allowed for more sustained and deeper work on one topic, to ensure the quality and consistency of the work provided in the organisation, maintaining it, or securing funds. Big thanks go to all facilitators of these sessions (Václav Soukup, Matija Pušnik, Nuša Stamejčič and Dora Smilevska).

This helped deepen the message and knowledge that participants gained at Debate Exchange.

At the end of the week, IDEA's General Assembly also took place, giving our members the opportunity to discuss the organisation's direction.

Evenings were spent playing board games, where participants had the opportunity to get to know each other better outside of the educational setting, or just explore Brno.

We are very grateful to everyone who facilitated a workshop during this year's Debate Exchange, and to every single participant for attending. We were especially glad to welcome our participant from outside Europe, joining us from SYMUF, one of IDEA's newest member organisations. We are already looking forward to next year's edition.

More pictures are on our Facebook and Instagram.