Better debating skills needed to build a better world – Concern

Concern Worldwide – which works in 26 of the world’s poorest places including Gaza and Sudan – began Concern Debates as a way of promoting positive dialogue and shared learning.

The aid agency will explore the role of dialogue and debate in a complex world at the Voices for Change conference it is hosting this Wednesday (May 21) at the RDS in Dublin.

“While the world has changed, the importance of debating has not,” said Concern’s acting Head of Global Citizenship, Georgina Eastaugh.

“The world needs to keep talking and debating and building skills for more peaceful dialogue and communication. 

“Teaching young people these skills that they will carry with them through life is really important.

“We are proud of the positive impact Concern Debates has had on Irish society since it began in 1984 to develop debating skills while encouraging a deeper understanding of global issues among young people.

“Since then over 85,000 students have participated in our debating programme and we now have over 400 school teams taking part annually between primary and secondary schools.”

The conference is a free public event that will feature a keynote speech by philosopher Rob Grant about identity and how boys and men are shaped by, and influence, the world.

There will be a presentation by Croatian Holocaust educator Tvrtko Noa Pater and panel discussions and workshops about how people can discuss issues without raising their voices violently or insulting each other.

Students at the conference will also hold a mini-debate about the motion that “disinformation is the biggest threat to peace and democracy in 2025.”

“Participants at the conference will consider how a debate can move beyond argument and become a tool for empathy, critical thinking and positive action in classrooms and communities,” added Ms Eastaugh.

“Together we’ll explore how to create spaces where difficult topics can be discussed openly.”

Voices for Change will take place in the Minerva Suite at the RDS and anyone who would like to attend is asked to register on the Eventbrite website.

Well known past participants of Concern Debates include Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and broadcaster Claire Byrne.

The competition is the largest school debating contest in the country and run by Concern with support from Irish Aid and volunteer adjudicators.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Kevin Jenkinson at 086 358 2886 or by email: kevin.jenkinson@concern.net.