🚀 1st AUAP International Student English Debate Championship and Award, October 19-21, 2026 | Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines.

We are delighted to invite your esteemed institution to participate in the upcoming  1st   AUAP International Student English Debate Championship 2026 and Awards ,  organized by the  Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP)  in collaboration with   Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines.  Co- hosted by  Rizal Technological University (RTU).

 

Scheduled for  October 19-21, 2026  at  Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines , 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
• S upport 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
• T raining workshops by expert coaches
• F air judging and transparent scoring
• A wards for Best Team, Best Speaker, and more
• C ultural and networking events

What to Attend

• Compete on an international stage and represent your university
• B uild debating, public speaking, and teamwork skills
• N etwork with students and leaders from across Asia-Pacific
• G ain prestigious awards and global recognition
• E xperience 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:   September 30, 2026

 

Participation Packages :

Package 1 – Debate Only (No Accommodation)

• AUAP Members:  USD $280 per person
• Non-Members:  USD $330 per person
  Includes: lunches during event days, access to sessions, certificates, and award

 

Package 2 – Full Experience with Accommodation

• AUAP Members:  USD $600 per person
• Non-Members:  USD $650 per person
• Includes:   Hotel accommodation, airport pick-up and send-off, lunches, cultural excursion, certificates, trophy and cash awards.

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

Please contact the AUAP Secretariat at  debate@auap.org