EJO- Debate 2026

EJO YOUTH DEBATE 2026

📅 Date: 31 August 2026

🕑 Start Time: 2:00 PM IST (08:30 AM UTC)

💻 Format: Online Conference

👥 Total Debators: 20

🎓 Accepted Delegate Level: School , University

⚖️ Format: Two-Team Debate

🏛️ Teams: Proposition & Opposition

👤 Debators per Team: 10

 We will be following Oxford Union-style debate

MOTION

“This House believes that school attendance should not be compulsory.”

ABOUT THE DEBATE

The EJO Youth Debate 2026 brings together 20 young debators for a structured and thought-provoking discussion on one of the most fundamental questions surrounding modern education: Should students be legally or institutionally required to attend school?

While compulsory education is widely regarded as an essential tool for ensuring access to learning and protecting children's educational rights, questions remain about individual freedom, alternative forms of education, student wellbeing, homeschooling, and whether physical attendance is always necessary for meaningful learning.

Participants will be divided into two equally sized teams:

🟢 PROPOSITION

The Proposition team will argue in favour of the motion, defending the position that school attendance should not be compulsory.

🔴 OPPOSITION

The Opposition team will argue against the motion, defending the position that compulsory school attendance remains necessary and beneficial.

Each team will consist of 10 debators, giving participants the opportunity to develop arguments, challenge opposing viewpoints, and work strategically as a team.

🕐 CONFERENCE TIMETABLE — IST

Date: 31 August 2026

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST)

Time| Activity

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM| Session I — Opening & Debate Round I

3:00 PM – 3:20 PM| Break

3:20 PM – 4:20 PM| Session II — Debate Round II

4:20 PM – 4:40 PM| Break

4:40 PM – 5:10 PM| Session III — POI section

5:10 PM - 5:30 PM| Break (decide final speech)  

5:30 – 5:40 PM| Final speech

5:40 –  5:55 PM| Break

5:55 –  6:10 PM|Closing ceremony

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🌐 CONFERENCE TIMETABLE — UTC

Date: 31 August 2026

Time Zone: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

Time| Activity

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Session I — Opening & Debate Round I

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM | Break

9:50 AM – 10:50 AM | Session II — Debate Round II

10:50 AM – 11:10 AM | Break

11:10 AM – 11:40 AM | Session III — POI Section

11:40 AM – 12:00 AM | Break (Decide final speech)

12:00 AM – 12:10 PM | Final Speech

12:10 PM – 12:25 PM | Break

12:25 PM – 12:40 PM | Closing Ceremony

WHAT TO EXPECT

Participants will be expected to:

- Present clear and well-structured arguments.

- Respond effectively to opposing arguments.

- Use relevant examples and evidence to support their position.

- Demonstrate critical thinking and logical reasoning.

- Engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints.

- Collaborate strategically with their team.

- Maintain professionalism throughout the online conference.

The debate will challenge participants to move beyond simply stating their opinions and instead defend, question, and critically examine their position.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The debate is open to school-level participants.

With only 20 available delegate positions, participants will be divided equally between the Proposition and Opposition teams.

Proposition — 10 Debators

Opposition — 10 Debators

🌐 Join the Conversation

Question the norm. Challenge the argument. Defend your position.

EJO Youth Debate 2026 — Where Young Voices Meet Strong Arguments.