Between 18 and 21 November 2025, the Debating for Diversity project reached an important milestone with the organization of its International Debate Forum in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Hosted at Hotel Kompas, the four-day event brought together participants and facilitators from Romania, Slovenia, and Serbia for an intensive programme focused on debate skills, democratic dialogue, and intercultural learning.
The Forum was not designed as a competition, but as a shared learning experience – a space where young people could deepen their understanding of debate, challenge each other’s ideas, and grow together as confident speakers and thoughtful listeners.
After arrivals and a shared lunch on Tuesday, participants were officially welcomed with an introduction to the programme and its objectives. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was open and collaborative, reflecting the core values of the project.
The first debate session focused on motion analysis, helping participants understand how to unpack a debate topic, identify underlying assumptions, and frame clear lines of argument. The afternoon continued with practice debates, where theory quickly turned into action. By the end of the first day, initial nervousness had already begun to give way to curiosity and confidence.
Wednesday’s programme shifted the focus to argumentation and the broader debating environment. Participants explored what makes an argument persuasive, how evidence should be used responsibly, and how debates can remain respectful even when discussing sensitive topics.
Practice debates were interwoven throughout the day, allowing participants to immediately test new techniques. A highlight of the afternoon was the walk to Lake Jasna, offering a moment of reflection and informal conversation that strengthened group cohesion and intercultural connections.
On Thursday, the Forum tackled some of the most pressing issues facing young people today. Dedicated content sessions explored Technology and Artificial Intelligence as well as Human Rights, encouraging participants to think critically about ethics, responsibility, and democratic values.
Later sessions focused on debate strategy, helping participants understand how to structure speeches, respond effectively to opposition, and work as a team. With multiple rounds of practice debates throughout the day, participants could clearly feel their progress – arguments became sharper, delivery more confident, and teamwork more seamless.
The final day of the Forum was dedicated to reflection, evaluation, and looking ahead. A Q&A session introduced the project manual, designed to support organizations and educators who wish to organize debate activities in their own contexts.
During the closing reflection, participants shared what the Forum had meant to them – many highlighting increased self-confidence, improved communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for respectful disagreement.
The event concluded with a shared lunch and departures, marking not an end, but a continuation of the learning journey. The International Debate Forum in Kranjska Gora demonstrated the true spirit of Debating for Diversity. It showed that debate is not merely about argumentation, but about building understanding across borders, learning to navigate complex issues, and empowering young people to participate actively in democratic life.