On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, ASSEDEL had the honor of hosting its first-ever inter-high school debate competition at the European Parliament, centered on the theme of social justice.
Students from Fustel de Coulanges and Jean Rostand high schools went head-to-head in a battle of eloquence, tackling key social justice issues across three main areas:
- Education and access to resources
- Civic participation and youth engagement
- Inclusion of minorities and the fight against discrimination
After 15 minutes of preparation, teams engaged in six-minute debates, arguing either for or against the following motions:
Topic 1 – Education and access to resources:
- Should the European Union encourage its member states to provide free education up to university level?
- Should France introduce an unconditional student income equivalent to the minimum wage (SMIC) for young people aged 18 to 21?
Topic 2 – Civic participation and youth engagement:
- Should France lower the voting age for European elections to 16?
- Should civic engagement be made mandatory for 16- to 18-year-olds in France?
Topic 3 – Inclusion of minorities and the fight against discrimination:
- Should France require school uniforms to help combat discrimination?
- Should France promote affirmative action for young people from marginalized backgrounds to improve their access to education and career opportunities?
We were honored to have a distinguished panel of judges: Madame Nadège Hornbeck, Vice President of the Grand Est Region, Madame Valérie Baud-Candau, Deputy Director of the René Cassin Foundation; and Madame Bella Beltaief, parliamentary assistant to Madame Sandra Regol and founder of EurFuture.
The students delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating remarkable eloquence and critical thinking. We applaud their dedication and effort in taking on such an intellectual challenge! Through their debates, they embodied the values of social justice, inclusion, and civic engagement—values that are essential to shaping our shared future. This competition reaffirmed our belief that the next generation is ready to take a stand, defend their convictions, and make their voices heard on key social and political issues.
A huge congratulations to all participants! Every debate contributed to a richer, more thought-provoking discussion. ASSEDEL invites its readers to reflect on these topics and consider what arguments they might put forward in these debates.
While there were no official winners or losers that day, as every participant gained valuable experience and insight, no one left empty-handed:
- The Best Speaker Award winner received tickets to the Strasbourg municipal baths and a Fnac gift card.
- The winning debate duo won two tickets to Europa Park and four tickets to The Little Prince exhibition.
- All other participants received books as consolation prizes, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Madame Baud-Candau for inviting all participants to attend the opening conference and ceremony at the René Cassin Foundation.
We hope this experience was enriching and inspiring for all the students, as well as for everyone involved in making this event a success. The ASSEDEL team is incredibly proud of how this competition came together and hopes that both participants and organizers will remember it as a meaningful and engaging initiative.
Once again, congratulations to all our participants for their incredible performances! ASSEDEL looks forward to welcoming you to future editions of the competition!