From August 18 to 23, 2025, the city of Warsaw, Poland, hosted the annual IDEA Debate Exchange, organized by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). This week-long international gathering brought together debate students, youth trainers, and civic education advocates from across Europe through a rich agenda of training sessions, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
This year, six participants from Albania represented the country in diverse roles—as debaters, judges, and program representatives of Debating Economics, implemented by Junior Achievement of Albania. Their participation followed their successful engagement in national-level debate activities during the academic year.
From Participants to Workshop Leaders: Alumni in Action
A particular highlight of this edition was the contribution of JA Albania alumni, who returned not as participants, but as workshop facilitators and session leaders. Their presence illustrates the long-term impact of JA programs, as young people grow from active participants to trainers and role models for their peers at the international level.
The workshops addressed key issues, ranging from the role of artificial intelligence in judging debates, to the link between debating and innovation, and the relevance of European identity in debate training. One alumna also facilitated a Deep Dive Session on “Impact Tools,” focusing on practical methods for maximizing the civic impact of debating.
Debating Economics: A Platform for Youth Development
Participation in IDEA Debate Exchange 2025 reaffirms the value of programs like Debating Economics, which aims to foster critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership among young people in Albania. Set in a multicultural environment of dialogue and collaboration, this exchange provided an ideal platform for the Albanian delegates to contribute meaningfully while also gaining valuable international experience.
