National Final Youth debate

It's almost time for the highlight of the Youth debate competition! Exciting debates by the best young debaters from all over Switzerland await us at the National Final. But for all the intensive preparation and nervousness, this is not the only big moment for the participants: After they have had a go at their own debate, a visit to the Federal Parliament awaits them, where they can put their burning questions to the parliamentarians...

Overview of the programme

Friday, 04 April:

  • 11.30: Opening
  • 12.15 to 15.45: Debate round 1
  • Followed by a guided tour of the Federal Palace and discussion with parliamentarians for participants (invited guests only)

Saturday, 05 April:

  • 08.30 to 12.00: Debate round 2
  • 13.00 to 13.30: Announcement of finalists
  • 14.00 to 14.30: Final debate secondary I
  • 14.45 to 15.15: Final debate secondary II
  • 15.45 to 16.30: Award ceremony
  • From 16.30: Apéro

The National Final will take place at Bundesgasse 35 in Bern, in the building of Die Mobiliar.

A glimpse into the world of debating!

A good debating culture is for democracy like oxygen for life. I was impressed by how committed, fair and knowledgeable these young people were in their debates.
Cédric Wermuth