Debating Europe Competitors

The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society with a tradition of hosting internationally prominent individuals across politics, academia, and popular culture. Founded in 1823 at a time when The University of Oxford restricted students from discussing certain topics, The Union continues to uphold the principle of free speech through the exchange and debate of a wide range of ideas and opinions, presented by a diverse range of speakers - some inspiring, others controversial. We believe that the discussion of complex topics should not only be encouraged but is an essential element of any free society.

From its beginnings as a debating society, the Cambridge Union now has over 70,000 life members worldwide. As the oldest debating society in the world and the largest student society in Cambridge, the Union remains a unique forum for the free exchange of ideas and the art of public debate. The Society has hosted such great figures as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and the current Dalai Lama, and it continues to provide Cambridge students with the opportunity to meet and question the people that shape our world, while being the central forum for student discussion in Cambridge. Our public debates and guest speakers continue to generate passionate student engagement, and our university and school debating competitions remain the largest and most prestigious in the country. The Union has a host of famous former students, debaters and officers. From John Maynard Keynes and Ken Clarke MP to Arianna Huffington and Clare Balding, some of the great figures of our time had a crucial part of their Cambridge experience at the Union, and the society continues to produce many exceptionally successful professionals and politicians.

Debate Mate is a global social business that teaches key skills from the classroom to the boardroom. Our mission is to equip everyone, everywhere with the confidence to succeed in whatever they wish to do. To achieve this, we have built a sustainable model that sees profits from our commercial and international work power growth in our charitable programmes. __ The Debate Mate Group comprises two complementary parts: Debate Mate Schools: a non-profit established in 2008 to create social mobility in some of the world’s poorest neighbourhoods. Our programmes are taught by university students, many of whom were themselves Debate Mate students while at school. Since starting in just 30 secondary schools in London, we now work in 300 internationally, and have reached over 50,000 young people in over 40 countries. Notable partners include: Bill Gates, Usain Bolt, David Beckham, David Cameron & Theresa May. Debate Mate Training: we provide world-class communication and leadership training, executive coaching, engagement events and consultancy for the business world. Our unique methodology is based on competitive debating, and our programmes are delivered by young, dynamic and fearless mentors. We have worked with over 5,000 professionals from blue-chip companies across the world, increasing the capacity of individuals and teams and, ultimately, adding to our clients' bottom line. Notable clients include: McKinsey & Co, Deloitte, Tesco, Standard Chartered (NYC), Slaughter and May & Premier League.