IDEA Youth Forum 2026: Youth teaching youth and connecting through debate

From 6 to 13 July, IDEA hosted another annual Youth Forum, an Erasmus+ youth exchange event with a focus on youth learning, cultural exchange and improving debating skills. In eight workshop slots, participants led their own sessions to teach how to teach, learn how to improve, and meet each other. Instead of lectures, the focus was on active participation, with participants leading their own workshops. Participants could also choose topics based on their preferences, so they could focus on their needs for improving their critical thinking and debating skills.

Most of the sessions were led by the participants themselves, including a two-block "Open Space" run by our youngest participants. Topics ranged from debate strategy (narrative motions, impromptu cases, rebuttals, debating art) to life skills (stress management and making friends), plus a session on Italian culture from Italian participants. It again showed how young people can take real initiative when they have the space for it.

We are also very glad for the more experienced group leaders and their workshops, sharing perspectives that younger participants could not experience themselves. It's also important to know the background and history of the debating world.

Collected feedback will help us plan next year's edition. We're grateful for the contribution of everyone, from workshop facilitators and participants to the volunteers who kept the whole event running smoothly.

More pictures are on our Facebook and Instagram.