Youth Workshop and Community Debate on Climate Change in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Eighteen young students from different universities in Lilongwe participated in a Karl Popper debate training at UNICAF University before debating in front of an audience that included students, teachers, professors, journalists, civil society representatives, and authorities. The debate motion was: “Malawi should introduce a tax on highly polluting imported products.”

The event was implemented in partnership with the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and built on IDEA’s ongoing work to strengthen youth engagement, critical thinking, and debate-based learning in the field of environmental and climate change education. The opening session included an address by a representative of the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization of Malawi, who emphasized the role of structured youth participation in public discussions on climate change, environmental responsibility, and digital development.

The workshop enabled participants to develop skills in structuring arguments, assessing information, working in teams, and formulating practical and context-specific responses to climate change challenges in Malawi. Debate-based methods were used to support reasoned discussion, collective problem-solving, and reflection on environmental issues affecting local communities. IDEA’s support was reflected in the use of established debate methodologies and youth work approaches that link critical thinking with active citizenship and sustainability.

In parallel, a training programme was organised for journalists, focusing on online journalism related to environmental and climate change topics. The training addressed digital reporting practices, ethical standards, and effective communication of complex environmental issues. By combining youth debate activities with media-focused training, the initiative aimed to contribute to more informed and responsible public discourse on climate and environmental policy.

 

The activity builds on IDEA’s project “Empowering Youth Work for the Green Debate,” which promotes debate as a pedagogical approach within youth work to strengthen environmental literacy, democratic participation, and youth involvement in green transition processes. The project framework supports the development of practical skills, critical reflection, and cross-border cooperation as tools for addressing climate-related challenges through structured dialogue.

The next youth workshop and debate will take place in Bujumbura, Burundi, and will bring together young people from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue shared learning, debate, and exchange on environmental solutions. The event was funded by SYMUF, a member organization of IDEA. SYMUF trainers encouraged young people to engage in debate-based activities to strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and solution-oriented approaches to environmental challenges. An online contribution was also provided by trainers from IDEA, who introduced the Karl Popper debate format and explained its core principles and general process in a community debate context.