Youth Debate
Competition
Taking part in Switzerland's biggest debating competition and competing with young debaters at the Regional Finals and the National Finals - do you think this is an exciting extracurricular activity? Then get in touch with us!
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Regional Finals
The best debaters from the internal school qualifications get to compete in the Regional Finals. This years' Regional Finals are held in the following cities:
A good debate shows us that no one is always right. Often, the truth lies somewhere in between and changes with perspective.Beat Jans Federal Councillor
National Final
The best participants of all Regional Finals meet in spring for the big National Final. Outside of the debating competition we organise a general programme, which can include for example a visit to the House of Parliament and a Q&A with Members of Parliament.
The participation at the National Final is without a doubt a wonderful experience for debate enthusiasts and a highlight of the programme year.
Winners of the National Final 2025:
- Secondary I german-speaking Switzerland: Markus Zigante, Gymnasium Kirchenfeld
- Secondary I french-speaking Switzerland: Charline Wertz & Camille Bui, Écoles de Corsier-sur-Vevey
- Secondary II german-speaking Switzerland: Zora Arbenz, Kantonsschule Zürcher Oberland
- Secondary II french-speaking Switzerland: Mathilde Bulliard & Armand Marro, Collège de Gambach
Winners of the Wegweiser Ethics Award 2025:
- Kusha Esmailzadeh, Kantonsschule Wil
- Océane Müller, Gymnase de Burier
- Emily Bozinov, Kantonsschule am Burggraben
The Jury
At the Regional Finals and the National Final, the participants are judged by a jury of personalities from politics, education, the media, the professional world and YES Alumni. The following four criteria are decisive:
Assessment Criteria
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Expertise
General knowledge of the debate issue, ability to look at the issue from different perspectives (economic, social, ecological, political etc.).
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Expressiveness
Correct and complete sentence structure, clear language with appropriate rhythm and tonality, verbal statements accompanied by appropriate gestures and facial expressions.
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Conversational Skills
Respecting speaking times, listening without undue interruption, dealing with arguments from the other side, involvement, rebuttal, appropriate and respectful behaviour.
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Persuasiveness
Sound, justified and comprehensible arguments, original and structured rhetoric, appropriate use of rhetorical figures, authenticity in debate, dealing with the audience.