On March 5th and 6th, the European Parliament in Strasbourg hosted the second edition of the inter-high school debating competition, dedicated this year to the theme “Youth and the Environment.” This event brought together eleventh and twelfth-grade students from several Strasbourg institutions: Lycée Kléber, Lycée Jean Rostand, Lycée Fustel de Coulanges, and the Lycée International des Pontonniers.
In total, 24 students participated in this edition. Working in pairs, they faced off in the demanding exercise of democratic debate, utilizing their skills in argumentation, listening, and critical analysis within a setting that was both prestigious and stimulating.
Debating Major Environmental Challenges
The debates allowed students to explore several major environmental issues directly affecting their generation. Topics included responsibility for financing energy-efficient housing renovations, the future of internal combustion engine cars, geoengineering as a potential solution to the climate crisis, and the concept of green growth.
Participants received several questions in advance to prepare their arguments. On the day of the competition, both the specific debate topics and the positions to be defended—pro or con—were assigned by lucky draw. This format required the students to demonstrate great adaptability as well as a solid mastery of argumentation and dialogue.
A Civic Experience at the Heart of European Institutions
Organizing this competition at the European Parliament offered high schoolers a concrete opportunity to discover an iconic site of European democracy while practicing the principles of public debate in an institutional setting.
The event also benefited from a jury composed of figures from the academic, institutional, and political worlds:
- Mr. Jonathan Anglaret, Academic Delegate for high school life and engagement, Academy of Strasbourg (Jury President)
- Ms. Sophie Kennel, Director of the Institute for Pedagogical Development and Innovation and Vice-President for Pedagogical Transformation at the University of Strasbourg
- Ms. Marie-Pierre Camproux Duffrene, Professor of Private Law at the University of Strasbourg and Vice-President of the French Society for Environmental Law
- Mr. Fredrik Sundberg, former Head of the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and Director of the Stockholm Institute of Public and International Law
- Ms. Sophie Kwasny, Head of the Education, Training, and Cooperation Department at the Council of Europe
- Mr. Emmanuel Fernandes, Member of Parliament for the 2nd constituency of Bas-Rhin
The awards ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. Pap Ndiaye, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe and former Minister of National Education and Youth. The jury particularly praised the quality of the exchanges, the cohesion of the pairs, and the students’ ability to respond to opposing arguments in a spirit of constructive dialogue.
Social Media Engagement
In parallel with the debates, an online initiative allowed school communities to support their high schools on social media. Following this mobilization, Lycée Kléber won the online support prize, illustrating the commitment of its students and network.
Results and Rewards
At the end of two days of debating, the team from Lycée Jean Rostand won this second edition of the competition. All participants received a certificate of participation and a personalized mug with their name as a souvenir. Fnac gift vouchers were also awarded to the students. Jury members also received personalized mugs in gratitude for their involvement.
Furthermore, the finalist teams were rewarded with several prizes, including activities offered by Neoquests Escape Game, an experience with Batorama, and, for the winning team, tickets to Europa-Park.
A Growing Project
The first edition of the competition, dedicated to social justice, brought together two high schools (Lycée Jean Rostand and Lycée Fustel de Coulanges). This year, four establishments participated in environmental issues, reflecting the growing interest of young people in these matters. The organizers warmly thank the students, teachers, and jury members for their commitment and contribution to the success of this initiative.
Given the enthusiasm sparked by this edition, the next step will involve including young people more directly in defining the theme for the future competition. Participants and the public have already been invited to propose ideas, and the selection process for the next theme will be announced soon on the event’s social media channels.
The goal is also to progressively expand participation to other schools in the Eurometropolis to continue promoting civic engagement and the culture of democratic debate among young people.