Asian Karl Popper Debating Championship 2012

Asia has one of the most diverse and developed debate communities in the world. However like most other debate communities, not everyone has equal access to teaching materials, trainers, tournaments and other debate related activities. While debate has spread throughout all parts of Asia, many in the region have still not had the opportunity to participate in debate.

Opportunities for debate vary widely between say, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi, which themselves are different from rural areas of many places in the region. While the number of tournaments in Asia has increased and the locations have become more spread out, debate still mainly takes place on the competitive circuit. While competitive tournaments are valuable, galvanizing and fun, mainstreaming debate in classrooms, informal educational fora and community organizations is an important goal as well.

IDEA, in cooperation with experienced Asian debaters and trainers, is aiming to contribute to these aims by connecting people from regions with high debate density to those in emerging debate communities. We believe that debate is a tool to develop effective communication as well as analytical, critical thinking and advocacy skills among youth, all of which are essential for their transition to adulthood and active engagement. Everyone has a right to access the benefits of debate and we invite you to help us achieve that goal.

The model of the existing IDEA Youth Forum, in its 18th year, has a proven record in combining elements of education, competition, community building, capacity development and integrating new communities into the world of debating and inter-cultural learning. We would like to share our learning methods and debate philosophies with the youth in Asia.

For these reasons, IDEA is organizing the first IDEA Asia Youth Forum in May 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand on the model of its existing IDEA Youth Forum (held in Mexico this year). This Forum will consist of Karl Popper Debate Championship and three educational tracks for participants to choose from, in the following categories.

1. Mixed-Team Track (MTT) - Small groups debate training sessions where participants debate in international teams;
2. International New Debaters track (IND) - Educational track for beginners of debate and participants who have not been exposed to Karl Popper debate format; and
3. Coaches & Judges Track (CJT) - for debate judges, coaches, educators and coordinators who would like to learn and improve their debate coaching and judging skills.

All participants will have great opportunities to network and listen to many distinguished guest speakers throughout the event.

Associated Documents

1. Call for Trainers

2. Trainer Application Form

Registration

Forum Registration

Information About the Coordinator

Chirada Na Suwan
IDEA-SE Asia Program Coordinator

cnasuwan@idebate.org
chirada.nasuwan@gmail.com
Registration: asiayouthforum2012@gmail.com
Tel: +66-82-7660412