Debating workshops and competition

From 18 to 20 March 2009, the British Embassy in Vienna invited two debating trainers of the English Speaking Union to Vienna to run interactive debating workshops for Austrian students. The participants were given the opportunity to improve their debating skills while debating subjects related to topical issues on the EU and international agenda. The highlight was a debating competition for university students at the Residence of the British Ambassador.

Debating competition

30 selected students were invited to take part in a debating training at the Ambassador's Residence on 19 March. The most skillful debaters were selected in the course of the training and invited to take part in a debating competition. The topic of the competition was whether countries that receive EU development aid ought to be required to comply with EU environmental standards. After a heated debate, the jury, which included British Ambassador Simon Smith, decided that the affirmative side arguing for the proposition had come out as the close winner. The evening was concluded with a small reception for all participants. This event was organised in co-operation with the Akademisches Forum für Außenpolitik (AFA).

School Visits

During their stay in Vienna, the debating trainers also visited four Viennese schools to introduce 16 to18 year old students to debating. Both the participating  students and their teachers enjoyed the lively discussions.