Debates is an intellectual game that develops critical and analytical thinking through discussion on one topic. All over the world, debates are used to develop a culture of conducting a discourse and to foster democratic values. It is the debates that help the civic environment develop and teach rational and informed decision-making. In addition, debates cultivate the culture of holding public discussions and tolerant attitude to opponents, as well as form the skills of reasoned persuasion.

For 4 years in a row, the All-Ukrainian Initiative “Active Community” has been stimulating young people to participate in debates. Young people participate in national debates on political reforms and receive interesting prizes and recognitions. This year, the debate tournament was held in 23 cities of Ukraine in the format of the British Parliamentary Debate on the ZOOM platform.

The debates involved 23 teams of 16 participants each, that is, the total number of debaters reached 368 people!

Subsequently, on December 3-4, the winners of the debates will take part in the National Debate Tournament.

“It was something incredible! I liked it very much! Thank you!” Bohdan Panasiuk, a participant of the debate tournament in the city of Volnovakha, says.

“Thank you for holding this kind of events! This is really an intelligent and interesting game. And thank you for not forgetting about the young apolitical generation. You are great!”, Mariia Futysh, a participant of the debate tournament in the city of Drohobych, shares her impressions.

Judges who attended the debates also spoke positively about the event:

For reference. The events were held within the project “Right of Choice” implemented with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and with the financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Note. The All-Ukrainian Initiative “Active Community” is an association of people and social movements for self-organization and participation in solving local problems. The Initiative was created within the framework of the Institute “Respublica” activities.

Authored by Tetiana Kavunenko, the head of the press service of the Institute “Respublica” and the All-Ukrainian Initiative “Active Community”