We are delighted to invite your esteemed institution to participate in the upcoming 1st  AUAP International Student English Debate Championship 2027 and Awards,  organized by the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) in collaboration with  Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines on January 25-27, 2027. This competition provides an exciting international platform for university students to enhance their critical thinking, sharpen their argumentation skills, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on pressing global issues.  

 Aims

• Develop students’ critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills
• Promote cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship
• Support Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific’s mission to advance quality, relevance, and social impact of higher education
• A lign with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What to Expect

• Competitive debate rounds on global issues
• Training workshops by expert coaches
• Fair judging and transparent scoring
• Awards for Best Team, Best Speaker, and more
• Cultural and networking events

What to Attend

• Compete on an international stage and represent your university
• Build debating, public speaking, and teamwork skills
• Network with students and leaders from across Asia-Pacific
• Gain prestigious awards and global recognition
• Experience cultural exchange and friendship

 Debate Topics – Round 1

• Climate Justice & Equity
  ➤ Should developing nations have the right to prioritize economic growth over global climate obligations?
• Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy
  ➤  Should Artificial Intelligence systems be granted legal personhood and accountability for their actions?
• Sovereignty & Humanitarianism
  ➤  Is it morally justifiable for international coalitions to override national sovereignty in the name of preventing atrocities?
• Sustainability & Food Security
  ➤  Should humanity pursue genetic enhancement even if it risks deepening social inequality?
• Globalization & Dependency
  ➤  Has globalization ultimately made nations less sovereign and more dependent than ever before?
• Youth & Democracy
  ➤ Would lowering the voting age to 16 strengthen democracy, or merely expose it to greater instability?

 Awards & Prizes

• Team of Champions: USD $500
• 1st Runner-Up Team: USD $300
• 2nd Runner- Up Team: USD $200
• Best Male Speaker: USD $100
• Best Female Speaker: USD $100
• Best Coach: USD $100
• All participants will receive Certificates of participation, Certificate of appearance and trophy

Registration Deadline: December 31, 2026

Participation Free:

• AUAP Members: USD $280 per person
• Includes: lunches during event days, access to sessions, certificates, and awards

Remark : 1 team consists of 2-3 contestants and 1 coach

Register Now: www.auapeventhub.com/1st-inter-debate-2026

Please contact the AUAP Secretariat at auapdebateandspeech@ceu.edu.ph