Junior Achievement of Albania turned the Pyramid of Tirana into the hub for debate, hosting the National High School Debate Competition 2025 from 3 to 5 October 2025, an educational event that promotes critical thinking, effective communication, and a culture of dialogue among young people.
Over three days, about 180 student debaters and teacher mentors, supported by a group of trained judges, took part in a program that included multiple debate rounds, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and analytical skills among youth.
This was the first year the competition was held in a single national format, bringing together 36 high schools from across Albania in one shared space, without regional divisions.
In total, more than 60 debates took place through the elimination, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds, covering topics that connected technology, the economy, and social responsibility. The early rounds explored the idea of a “Blackout Day”, encouraging reflection on the use of technology and its effects on well-being and productivity. The following stages focused on the use of artificial intelligence by businesses to influence consumer behavior, raising questions about market ethics and modern economic practices. The final round addressed cybersecurity as a factor that directly impacts the digital economy and public trust in online markets, emphasizing that the challenges of the digital era come from human behavior rather than technology itself.
Alongside the competition, participants attended workshops led by JAA Alumni, which focused on building structured arguments, applying critical thinking to real-life issues, and linking debating skills with communication, teamwork, and employability.
The atmosphere at the Pyramid reflected collaboration, energy, and respect for different viewpoints, making the Competition a meaningful experience for students’ personal and academic development.
After several elimination rounds and close matches, TES High School of Tirana and the Harry T. Fultz Institute reached the final, with TES High School declared the winner of the 2025 National High School Debate Competition.
The Competition is part of Junior Achievement of Albania’s educational programs, which aim to build civic and economic competences among Albanian youth. Through debate, students learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage respectfully, preparing to become active and responsible citizens in their communities.
The participating high schools included:
“16 Shtatori” Shijak, “Ahmet Dakli” Elbasan, “Aleksandër Markacini” Kuçovë, “Arianiti” Elbasan, “Arben Broci” Tirana, “Babë Dudë Karbunara” Berat, “Bardhyl Pojani” Korçë, “Dhaskal Todri” Elbasan, “Ernest Koliqi” Tirana, “Fiqiri Dine” Maqellarë, “Flatrat e Dijes” Fier, “Halim Xhelo” Vlorë, “Halit Berzeshta” Prrenjas, “Hasan Tahsini” Sarandë, “Havzi Nela” Kukës, Harry T. Fultz Institute Tirana, “Ismail Qemali” Tirana, Lezha Academic Center, “Kostandin Kristoforidhi” Elbasan, “Mahir Domi” Elbasan, “Naim Frashëri” Durrës, “Oso Kuka” Shkodër, “Partizani” Tirana, “Petro Nini Luarasi” Tirana, “Platon” Korçë, “Qemal Stafa” Tirana, “Said Najdeni” Peshkopi, “Sami Frashëri” Përmet, “Sami Frashëri” Tirana, “Shefqet Guzi” Gramsh, “Sherif Hoxha” Koplik, “TES” Tirana, “Tefta Tashko Koço” Korçë, “Ymer Dishnica” Korçë.